Former Kebbi APC Chairman Dies in Bandits’ Captivity Amid Rising Security Concerns
Former Kebbi APC Chairman Dies in Bandits’ Captivity Amid Rising Security Concerns
A former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, has reportedly died while in the custody of bandits who abducted him earlier this month. The tragic development has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation across parts of northern Nigeria.
Reports indicate that Besse was kidnapped alongside an associate during a recent attack. Weeks after the abduction, disturbing videos surfaced online showing the victims being humiliated by their captors in a forest believed to be located in the Birnin Gwari axis, a region notorious for bandit activities.
The death of the former APC chairman was disclosed by security and conflict analyst Bakatsine, who confirmed that Besse died before regaining his freedom. According to him, both men who appeared in the viral captivity videos have now lost their lives without reuniting with their families.
The incident has sparked fresh outrage over the persistent threat posed by armed bandits operating across Nigeria’s North-West region. Residents and stakeholders have continued to call for stronger security measures as kidnappings, killings, and attacks on rural communities remain widespread despite ongoing military operations.
Security experts say the death of the former APC chieftain underscores the urgent need for more coordinated intelligence gathering, community policing initiatives, and sustained security operations to dismantle criminal networks terrorizing communities across the region.
As of the time of filing this report, Kebbi State authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident. However, the tragedy has left many residents mourning while raising difficult questions about the effectiveness of current efforts to tackle insecurity in northern Nigeria.
