A former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Besse, has died while in bandits' captivity.
Besse was abducted earlier this month. His death was confirmed on Tuesday by journalist Bakatsine, who covers conflict and insecurity in Nigeria's North-West, in a post on X.
His death comes weeks after a video surfaced online showing Besse and another abductee being held and mistreated by armed bandits in the Birnin Gwari forest.
According to Bakatsine, both men seen in the viral video have now died without regaining their freedom.
"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.
He added that the deaths underscore the worsening security situation in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom remains widespread.
"What began as disturbing footage of humiliation has ended in tragedy. Two lives have been lost, leaving two families in mourning and raising more concerns about the security crisis facing communities across the region," Bakatsine said.
He also offered prayers for the deceased, asking Allah to forgive them, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort their families.
The incident has renewed concerns over persistent bandit attacks and kidnappings across north-west Nigeria, despite ongoing security operations.
