Former Kebbi APC Chairman Confirmed Dead in Bandits’ Captivity

Former Kebbi APC Chairman Confirmed Dead in Bandits’ Captivity.

What began as a disturbing video showing two men pleading for their lives in a forest has ended in the worst possible tragedy.

Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, the immediate past chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, has been confirmed dead while in the custody of bandits who abducted him earlier this month. His death means both men seen in the viral videos released from the Birnin Gwari forest have now lost their lives without ever reuniting with their families .

Besse was kidnapped alongside an associate in June. Days later, a video surfaced online that shook many Nigerians. The footage showed both men being subjected to humiliation by their captors in the Birnin Gwari forest, a notorious hideout for armed bandits operating across parts of northern Nigeria .

In the emotional video, the victims appeared weak and exhausted. Reports indicate they were living under harsh conditions in the forest and struggling with worsening health . Besse reportedly lamented that both men had become seriously ill while in captivity and expressed fears that continued delay in efforts to secure their release could lead to tragedy . Sadly, those fears have now become reality.

The associate who was abducted alongside him was also said to have suffered severe health complications during captivity .

Sources close to the family have reportedly said the bandits demanded ransom money, but when the family could not meet their demands, they killed him .

The tragic development was disclosed on Tuesday by security and conflict reporter Bakatsine in a post on his X account .

“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 .

“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 described the incident as a painful reminder of the worsening security challenges confronting communities across northern Nigeria.

“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,” Bakatsine added .

Besse was a known political figure in Kebbi State and served as APC chairman in Koko/Besse Local Government Area before leaving office . Residents have described him as a respected political figure and community leader who played a role in grassroots politics in Kebbi State .

His death has thrown his family, political associates, and residents of Koko/Besse into mourning .

The deaths have further raised concerns over the persistent threat posed by bandit groups operating in parts of the North-West, where kidnappings, killings, and attacks on rural communities continue despite ongoing military operations .

The Birnin Gwari forest has become a symbol of the security crisis facing the region. In November 2024, 58 kidnapped victims were rescued from the same forest area after spending over a year in captivity, where they survived on raw maize and wild fruits .

Despite ongoing operations, communities across northern Nigeria continue to live in fear of abduction and violence. Recent weeks have also seen attacks in Plateau State where 22 people, including health workers, were killed, and kidnappings in Ondo State .

As of the time of reporting, authorities in Kebbi State had yet to issue an official statement on the deaths . Bakatsine offered prayers for the deceased, saying: “May Almighty Allah forgive them, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort their loved ones” .

Former Kebbi APC Chairman Confirmed Dead in Bandits’ Captivity.