Former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, has died while in the custody of kidnappers after spending about two months in captivity.
His death has raised fresh concerns about the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in Kebbi State, where cases of kidnapping and bandit attacks have continued to increase.
Mai Barga Besse was abducted alongside a close associate during an attack by armed men suspected to be bandits in the Koko/Besse area.
Although the incident was not widely reported at the time, concerns about their safety grew in recent weeks after reports emerged that both men were suffering from serious health problems while in captivity.
Before his death, a video circulated online showing the former APC chieftain and his associate appealing for urgent assistance from family members, political associates, community leaders and government authorities.
In the video, the two victims appeared weak and exhausted. They said they were living under difficult conditions in the forest and struggling with worsening health challenges.
The late APC leader reportedly said that both men had become seriously ill while in captivity and warned that any further delay in securing their release could lead to tragedy.
Those fears have now been realised.
Sources familiar with the incident said Mai Barga Besse could not survive the harsh conditions in the kidnappers’ camp, where victims were allegedly exposed to hunger, illness and long movements through remote forest areas.
His associate, who was kidnapped alongside him, was also said to have suffered severe health complications during the period of captivity.
The death of the former APC chairman has thrown his family, political associates and residents of Koko/Besse into mourning.
Many residents described him as a respected politician and community leader who made significant contributions to grassroots politics in Kebbi State.
The incident has also sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing grief and calling for stronger measures to tackle banditry and kidnapping across the country.
More details are expected to emerge.
