Alhaji Muhammadu Besse, the immediate former chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, has died while in captivity with bandits. His death was confirmed on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, by security and conflict journalist Bakatsine through a post on X.
Besse was kidnapped earlier this month by armed bandits operating in the North-West region. His abduction drew public attention after a video surfaced online showing him and another captive being mistreated by their abductors inside the Birnin Gwari forest. In the footage, the elderly politician appealed for help, saying his health was deteriorating while in captivity.
According to Bakatsine, Besse’s death has now been confirmed, bringing a sad end to hopes that he would regain freedom and return to his family. “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,” the journalist 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,” Bakatsine added. “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.”
The report also revealed that the second victim who appeared alongside him in the viral video, identified as Yahya Bili, had also died in captivity. Both men were held for an extended period and lamented worsening health conditions while pleading for intervention from families, community leaders and government authorities.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had earlier called for their urgent rescue after the distress video circulated online. “I am deeply concerned by the distressing video circulating on social media showing two elderly citizens from Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Mai Barga Besse and Alhaji Yahaya Bili, appealing for help while in captivity,” he said.
Besse served as APC chairman in Koko/Besse LGA before leaving office and was a known political figure in Kebbi State. The Birnin Gwari forest axis has long been associated with kidnapping and armed banditry activities, raising renewed concerns about worsening insecurity in the North-West region.
