Alhaji Muhammadu Besse, the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State, has reportedly died while being held captive by bandits.
Besse was abducted earlier in June alongside an associate. His death was confirmed on Tuesday by journalist Bakatsine, who covers conflict and security issues in Nigeria’s North-West region.
The development comes weeks after a video surfaced online showing Besse and his associate being mistreated by armed bandits in the Birnin Gwari forest.
In a post shared on X, Bakatsine described the incident as a tragic outcome, stating that Besse, the immediate past APC chairman of Koko/Besse Local Government Area, died before he could be reunited with his family.
According to the journalist, both men featured in the viral videos from the Birnin Gwari forest have now lost their lives while in captivity.
“What began as disturbing footage of humiliation has ended in the worst possible tragedy,” Bakatsine wrote. “Two lives gone, two families shattered, and more painful questions about the security crisis facing communities across northern Nigeria.”
He also offered prayers for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive them, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus, and comfort their grieving families.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges confronting many communities across northern Nigeria, where cases of kidnapping and banditry continue to raise concerns.
