Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area, reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers after approximately two months in captivity.

His death has raised significant concerns regarding the escalating security situation in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kebbi State, where incidents of kidnapping and bandit attacks have been increasingly prevalent.

Mai Barga Besse was abducted alongside a close associate during an attack by armed men believed to be bandits in the Koko/Besse area.

Initially, the incident did not receive widespread media attention; however, apprehensions regarding their safety intensified in recent weeks as it came to light that both individuals were facing severe health issues while being held captive.

Before his death, a concerning video emerged online, featuring the former APC chieftain and his associate making a plea for urgent assistance from family members, political figures, community leaders, and government authorities.

In this emotional video, the victims appeared frail and fatigued, describing their dire living conditions in the forest and the deterioration of their health.

The late APC chieftain reportedly lamented that both men had become seriously ill while in captivity. He also expressed fears that continued delay in efforts to secure their release could lead to tragedy.

Sadly, those fears have now become reality.

Sources familiar with the matter said the former party leader could not survive the difficult conditions in the kidnappers’ den, where victims were allegedly forced to endure hunger, sickness and long movements through remote forest areas.

His associate, who was abducted alongside him, was also said to have suffered severe health complications during captivity.

The death of Mai Barga Besse has thrown his family, political associates and residents of Koko/Besse into mourning.

Several residents described him as a respected political figure and community leader who played a significant role in grassroots politics in Kebbi State.

Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express grief and anger over the incident, with renewed calls for stronger action against banditry and kidnapping across the country.

There are several Reports circulating on social media claiming that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is dead.

Checks by multiple credible media and fact-checking organisations confirmed that the elder statesman is alive, healthy and has continued to make public appearances in recent months.

The false claim surfaced online through viral Facebook and WhatsApp posts alleging that the former Nigerian leader had died and even left behind a “mysterious investment platform” for his family. However, fact-checkers at Dubawa described the report as a hoax, noting that no credible media organisation in Nigeria or abroad reported Obasanjo’s death.

According to Daily Trust, Obasanjo also rejected reports suggesting he had written a “death notice,” describing those spreading the rumours as people wasting their time.

Social media users had shared several misleading posts and videos falsely announcing the former president’s death. One viral TikTok clip carried the caption: “DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA OLUSEGUN OBASANJO,” prompting widespread reactions online.

Reacting to previous rumours in 2024, Obasanjo said the reports were “disturbing” and “hurtful,” warning against the spread of false information online.

Africa Check also debunked similar claims in an earlier fact-check, stating that no reliable media platform reported Obasanjo’s death and confirming through his aide that the former leader was alive.

Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s military head of state between 1976 and 1979 and later as democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007.

A 71-year-old cleric, Omotayo Ezekiel Fajana, was found dead in a hotel in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, just hours before he was due to be crowned as the Head Prayer Warrior Father of a Cherubim and Seraphim Church.

Fajana had travelled to the town to attend a church programme at Ogo Orimolade C&S Church, Okerigbo, where he was expected to be formally installed into the spiritual position.

However, the event took a tragic turn when the elderly church leader was reportedly discovered lifeless in the hotel where he had lodged ahead of the ceremony.

The circumstances surrounding his death have since sparked concerns among family members and church associates, leading to a police investigation.

Sources disclosed that controversy arose after the deceased’s body was allegedly moved from the hotel to a mortuary in neighbouring Ikare-Akoko before a formal medical certification of death was obtained.

The development reportedly raised questions about whether proper procedures were followed after the cleric’s death was discovered.

Family members, unsettled by the circumstances, are said to have petitioned law enforcement authorities, prompting a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Detectives are currently working to determine the exact cause of death and reconstruct the events leading to the tragedy, including identifying those who were with the deceased before he was found dead.

As part of the ongoing investigation, three persons have reportedly been taken into custody and are assisting the police with inquiries.

When contacted by Daily Trust, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the matter is under active investigation.

According to him, detectives are examining all aspects of the case to establish whether any foul play was involved.

He assured that anyone found culpable in connection with the incident would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.