CITIZENS COMPASS— Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted a former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Reports indicated that the gunmen also abducted another community leader in the area.
A viral video circulating on social media captured both victims in captivity begging for help. In the footage, both men appeared distressed as they spoke about their condition and begged for their release from the kidnappers holding them in the forest.
One of them was identified as a former APC local government chairman, while the other was reportedly a schoolteacher. The clip was reportedly recorded by the abductors and later shared online, drawing widespread reactions.
A security commentator from Katsina, who shared details on social media, claimed the victims were held in a forest area believed to be around Birnin Gwari.
He described the situation as disturbing and expressed concern about the attackers’ boldness.
He said: “This video shows the former APC chairman of Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State with a friend while being abducted by bandits in Birnin Gwari forest.”
He further added: “In addition to the horrific treatment meted out to these individuals, the video has once again raised concerns about the continued operation of militant groups in parts of Northern Nigeria.”
He also questioned the audacity of the kidnappers, saying: “What gives these criminals the courage to not only do such things, but also to take video of those they capture and then release it without any sign of fear of being discovered by security agencies?”
In the video, one of the captives said they were suffering and struggling with health challenges while in captivity. He pleaded emotionally for help, saying: “If you want us to die, then tell us to say goodbye to you and die. Now, here is Yahaya, he is not sick. You know I am not healthy either, I always take medicine.”
He also added: “We have been walking on the ground for so many days, we have all suffered. Don Allah ku tashi tsaye, a taimaka.”
The footage has continued to generate reactions from members of the public, with many expressing sadness and frustration over rising insecurity. Some described the situation as evidence of worsening safety conditions in several parts of the country.
One commentator, Sadiq, said: “Abin takaici ne ganin yadda wannan wahala ta daɗe tana ci gaba.”
Another user, Menelik II, questioned political accountability, saying: “Shin kyawawan manufofin APC sun shafi tsohon shugaban jam’iyyar a ƙaramar hukumar Koko/Besse ta jihar Kebbi?”
The incident comes amid broader concerns about armed groups operating in different regions, with reports linking the spread of illegal weapons to instability in parts of Nigeria and West Africa.
—GWG
