Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, has died while in the custody of armed bandits. His death marks the second fatality among two abductees whose ordeal was documented in a widely circulated video.
Abduction and Video Humiliation
Besse was kidnapped alongside a cleric from Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah wa Ikamatis-Sunnah (JIBWIS), Alhaji Muhammad Maibarga. A disturbing video later surfaced online showing both men being subjected to humiliation by their captors in the Birnin Gwari forest, a notorious hideout for armed bandits operating across parts of northern Nigeria.
Official Confirmation of Deaths
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed Maibarga's death on June 10. On Tuesday, June 23, security and conflict reporter Bakatsine announced Besse's death in a post on his X account. "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," he wrote. "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."
Impact and Security Concerns
Bakatsine described the incident as a painful reminder of the worsening security challenges confronting communities across northern Nigeria. "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," he added. The deaths underscore the persistent threat posed by bandit groups in the region, where kidnappings for ransom and violent attacks have become increasingly common.
