Ex-Kebbi APC Chairman Dies in Bandits’ Captivity

A former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Besse, has died while being held captive by bandits.

Besse was abducted earlier in June and had remained in captivity amid efforts to secure his release.

His death was disclosed on Tuesday by journalist Bakatsine, who focuses on reporting conflict, banditry and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region.

The development comes weeks after a disturbing video surfaced online showing the former APC chairman and another abducted victim being humiliated by armed bandits in the Birnin Gwari forest.

The footage generated widespread concern and renewed calls for stronger security measures to address the persistent kidnapping crisis affecting communities across northern Nigeria.

Confirming the development in a post on X, Bakatsine described the incident as a tragic end to a painful ordeal.

“DEVASTATING UPDATE: Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, the immediate former APC Chairman of Koko/Besse LGA in Kebbi State, has now also been confirmed dead in captivity,” he wrote.

According to him, both individuals who appeared in the widely circulated video from the Birnin Gwari forest have now lost their lives without reuniting with their families.

“This means both men seen in the videos released from the Birnin Gwari forest have lost their lives without ever reuniting with their families after their abduction,” he added.

Bakatsine further lamented the circumstances surrounding their deaths, noting that what initially appeared as footage of humiliation ultimately ended in tragedy.

“What began as disturbing footage of humiliation has ended in the worst possible tragedy. Two lives gone, two families shattered and more painful questions about the security crisis facing communities across northern Nigeria,” he stated.

The deaths have once again highlighted the growing threat posed by armed bandit groups operating across parts of the North-West, where kidnappings, attacks on communities and abductions for ransom continue to pose serious security challenges.

Security experts and community leaders have repeatedly expressed concern over the activities of criminal groups operating in forests stretching across Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger and neighbouring states.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement regarding the circumstances of Besse’s death or any ongoing efforts connected to the case.

His death has left family members, political associates and residents mourning the loss of a prominent community figure.