Reports emerging from conflict zones in northwestern Nigeria have confirmed the alleged death of Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, the immediate former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, while in the custody of armed terrorists.
The development, first brought to public attention by popular conflict reporter D English Alhaji in a Facebook post, has sparked fresh outrage over the worsening insecurity across the region.
According to the report, Mai Barga Besse—one of the two elderly men seen in viral videos released from a forest camp believed to be around the Birnin Gwari axis—died in captivity without ever regaining 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,” D English Alhaji wrote.
The conflict reporter further stated that both individuals featured in the disturbing footage have now reportedly lost their lives while still in the hands of their abductors.
“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,” he added.
He described the incident as a devastating reflection of the deepening security crisis affecting 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 wrote.
The late APC chieftain had earlier appeared in widely circulated videos alongside another captive, where both men looked visibly weak and distressed, appealing for urgent intervention from authorities and their families.
The footage, believed to have been recorded in a forest enclave used by armed groups operating around the Birnin Gwari axis, had intensified public concern over the fate of abductees held in remote camps across the region.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Police Command has said it is still verifying the report of his death, stating that official confirmation would be made after a full assessment of the situation.
Security analysts say the incident, if confirmed, underscores the escalating humanitarian toll of kidnapping-for-ransom networks operating across Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina and other North-West states, where dozens of abductees are still believed to be in captivity under harsh conditions.
The reported death of Mai Barga Besse adds to growing fears that many victims of abduction may never return home alive, raising fresh questions about the effectiveness of ongoing security operations in the region.