Alhaji Muhammadu Besse, the immediate past chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, has died while in kidnappers’ captivity.
Besse was abducted in June and had remained in captivity since then.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday by security and conflict journalist Bakatsine, who reports on insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region, in a post on X.
DAILY POST recalls that a video circulated in June showing the former APC chairman and one of his associates being humiliated by bandits in the Birnin Gwari forest.
Confirming the tragic 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 further highlighted the growing insecurity and kidnapping crisis affecting communities across northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region, where bandit attacks and abductions for ransom have become increasingly common.
