Former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Besse, has died while in the custody of bandits, weeks after he was abducted by armed men operating in Nigeria’s North-West.
The development was announced on Tuesday by security and conflict journalist Bakatsine in a post on X, confirming the death of the former APC chieftain and another captive who appeared with him in a viral video released by the kidnappers.
Besse was kidnapped earlier this month, and his ordeal drew widespread attention after footage surfaced online showing him and a fellow victim being humiliated and mistreated inside the Birnin Gwari forest.
Confirming the development, Bakatsine wrote: “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.”
Before his death, Besse had appealed for help and expressed frustration over what he described as the lack of progress in efforts to secure their release.
“You can see the humiliating condition we are subjected to in this place. Therefore, we need you to help mobilise and get us out of here, please help us in the name of God,” he had pleaded.
The elderly politician also lamented what he perceived as abandonment by those expected to secure their freedom.
“If you have given up on us and want us dead, then be straightforward about it so we can give up and tell you our final goodbye,” he added.
His death comes just days after former military spokesman, Major General Rabe Abubakar, reportedly died while being held by bandits after his abduction.
The deaths have renewed concerns over the worsening security situation across northern Nigeria and the growing number of kidnap victims who fail to return home alive.
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