Reports of his death surfaced on Tuesday following claims circulated by conflict monitors and security analysts in northern Nigeria, who alleged that the former party official died while still being held by his abductors.
A popular conflict reporter, D English Alhaji, was among the first to share the development in a Facebook post, stating that the former APC chairman—seen in earlier viral videos released from a forest camp believed to be around the Birnin Gwari axis—had died in captivity.
“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.
He further added:
“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.”
Describing the situation as deeply tragic, he noted the emotional weight of the incident and its reflection on the broader insecurity challenges in the region.
“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 added.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Police Command said it is still working to confirm the report.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, stated: “Still verifying please, will update you as soon as I get all the facts Sir, thank you.”
The reported death comes less than two weeks after SaharaReporters earlier disclosed that one of the two elderly men abducted alongside Mai Barga Besse had died in captivity.
At the time, Katsina-based security analyst Bakatsine revealed that the deceased was a close associate of the former APC chairman, abducted alongside him during the attack.
The development had already heightened anxiety over the fate of Mai Barga Besse, who previously appeared in a distressing video from the terrorists’ camp, where he pleaded for rescue and lamented his worsening health condition.
In the video obtained by SaharaReporters, the former APC chairman accused community leaders and other concerned individuals of abandoning efforts to secure their release.
“You can see the humiliating condition we are subjected to in this place. Please help mobilise and get us out of here in the name of God,” he had pleaded.
He also disclosed the severe health challenges both captives were facing under harsh conditions in the forest.
“We are in a dire situation. Yahya is ill and I am also sick. I have been living on medication, yet it appears our pleas have been ignored,” he said.
The elderly politician further explained that despite their age and poor health, they were forced to endure long treks with their abductors.
“We trek long distances with these people. If you are not willing to help us, tell us so that we can give up on our lives,” he said in the video.
The second captive, identified as Yahya, was later also reported to have died while in captivity.