BREAKING: Ex-APC Chairman, Dies In Bandits’ Captivity Weeks After Abduction [PHOTO]

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

The late politician was abducted earlier this month alongside an associate, sparking concern among family members, political associates and residents of the area.

News of his death emerged on Tuesday through reports shared by security and conflict analyst Bakatsine, a journalist known for monitoring insecurity and armed conflicts across north-western Nigeria.

According to information made public by the journalist, Besse died before regaining his freedom, bringing a tragic end to a kidnapping ordeal that had attracted widespread attention.

Tragic End to Captivity

The development comes weeks after a disturbing video surfaced online showing the former APC chieftain and another abducted individual in the custody of armed bandits.

The footage, reportedly recorded in the Birnin Gwari forest area, showed the victims being subjected to humiliation while in captivity, drawing outrage and concern from many Nigerians.

At the time, the video reignited conversations about the worsening security situation across several northern states and the growing threat posed by criminal gangs operating within remote forest regions.

Providing an update on the incident, Bakatsine disclosed that Besse’s death had been confirmed, noting that both men seen in the viral video had now lost their lives.

“Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, the immediate former APC Chairman of Koko/Besse Local Government Area in Kebbi State, has now also been confirmed dead in captivity,” he stated.

The journalist lamented that the victims never had the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones after their abduction.

Renewed Concerns Over Insecurity

The death of the former APC chairman has once again highlighted the security challenges confronting communities across northern Nigeria, where kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes continue to pose serious threats to residents.

Observers say the incident underscores the risks faced by both public figures and ordinary citizens in areas affected by criminal activities.

The tragedy has also renewed calls for stronger security measures and more effective strategies to combat armed groups operating across forests and rural communities in the region.

Political associates, community leaders and residents have expressed sadness over the development, describing Besse’s death as a painful loss to his family, friends and the wider community.

Calls for Action

The incident has intensified concerns about the fate of individuals currently being held by kidnappers and armed groups across different parts of the country.

Security experts have repeatedly called for enhanced intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies and sustained operations against criminal networks responsible for abductions and attacks.

As condolences continue to pour in, many residents have urged authorities to redouble efforts to address the security crisis and prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

The death of Muhammadu Besse serves as another grim reminder of the human cost of insecurity and the devastating impact of kidnapping on families and communities across Nigeria.

Family members and supporters are expected to commence burial and mourning arrangements in accordance with Islamic traditions.