Associate Of Kidnapped Former Kebbi APC Chairman Dies In Captivity, Party Chieftain Still In Terrorists’ Camp

One of the two elderly men abducted by terrorists in Kebbi State including a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko-Besse Local Government Area has reportedly died in captivity.

The development less than a week after SaharaReporters reported how the victims appeared in a heartbreaking video from the kidnappers' camp, pleading with their families, community leaders and government authorities to secure their release, while lamenting their deteriorating health conditions.

A popular Katsina-based security analyst and reporter, Bakatsine, disclosed the latest development in a post on social media.

According to Bakatsine, the deceased was a close associate and friend of the former APC chairman who was abducted alongside him.

"SAD UPDATE: A close associate and friend of the APC Chairman of Koko/Besse LGA, Kebbi State, who was abducted alongside his friend, has been confirmed dead while in captivity,” Bakatsine wrote.

"May Almighty Allah forgive him, have mercy upon his soul, and accept his martyrdom. Prayers are also with his friends and all remaining captives, with hopes for their safe release.

"The incident show the continued security challenges facing communities in the region. As families mourn yet another tragic loss, many continue to await justice and the safe return of their loved ones.”

"May the deceased rest in eternal peace and may comfort find those he left behind," the security expert added.

The death has heightened fears over the fate of the surviving captive, the former APC chairman, who had earlier revealed in a viral video that both men were battling ailments and harsh conditions in the bandits' camp.

In the emotional footage previously seen by SaharaReporters, the former APC chairman lamented what he described as abandonment by those expected to negotiate their freedom.

"You can see the humiliating condition we are subjected to in this place. Therefore, we need you to help mobilise and get us out of here, please help us in the name of God," he had pleaded.

The elderly politician also expressed frustration over the delay in efforts to secure their release.

"If you have given up on us and want us dead, then be straightforward about it so we can give up and tell you our final goodbye," he said.

Describing their worsening condition, he disclosed that both of them were sick and struggling to survive in the forest.

"We are in a dire situation. Yahya is ill; even I myself am battling sickness, as you know I have been living on medication. Yet you appear to have ignored our pleas to negotiate with these people. Why are you doing this to us?"

He further revealed that despite their age and health challenges, they were forced to move long distances with their abductors.

"We trek long distances with these people and we've been talking, yet no results. For the sake of God, be considerate. If you're not willing, let us know so we can give up on our lives," he said.

The second victim, identified as Yahya, had also appealed for urgent intervention before his reported death.

"You can see the precarious situation we have found ourselves in. You know I'm not well, just like the chairman. Yet you have not been able to rescue us. We've been abandoned in the woods with these people. For God's sake, do something to get us out of here," he had pleaded.

The former APC chairman also painted a grim picture of life inside the kidnappers' camp.

"Here we live with reptiles and snakes. The day before yesterday, I almost got bitten by a snake," he said.

At another point in the video, after being asked by one of the bandits to identify himself, the elderly politician said: "You know I've been the chairman of APC in Koko-Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, but I'm not any longer. So please help us out of this captivity."

SaharaReporters reached out to the Kebbi State Police Command for comment, but no response had been received at the time of filing this report. The Command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, did not respond to repeated calls and WhatsApp messages.