Fresh tragedy has struck Kebbi State as former All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Koko/Besse Local Government Area, Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, has reportedly died while being held by bandits.
Besse, a prominent political figure in the State, was abducted earlier this month and had remained in captivity since then, despite growing concerns over his safety and that of other victims of bandit attacks across the North-West.
His death was made public on Tuesday by conflict and security journalist, Bakatsine, who disclosed the development in a post on X.
The report comes weeks after a disturbing video surfaced online showing Besse and another abducted victim being subjected to humiliation by armed bandits inside the notorious Birnin Gwari forest, a vast area spanning parts of Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara and neighbouring states that has long been associated with criminal gangs and kidnapping operations.
Confirming the latest development, Bakatsine wrote:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“May Almighty Allah forgive them, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort their loved ones.”
The death of the former APC chieftain has once again drawn attention to the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed bandit groups continue to carry out kidnappings, village raids and deadly attacks despite ongoing military operations.
The incident has also reignited calls for stronger security measures and more effective strategies to tackle the persistent threat posed by criminal gangs operating across the North-West region.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding Besse’s death in captivity.
