Ex-APC Chairman, Secretary Beg for Rescue in Bandits’ Den

Two prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State, a former chairman and former secretary of the party in Koko-Besse Local Government Area, have made an emotional appeal for help after appearing in a distressing video released by bandits holding them captive.

The video, which has generated widespread concern among residents and political associates, shows the two elderly politicians speaking under duress while being paraded by their abductors in an undisclosed forest location.

Visibly weak and exhausted, the former APC chairman lamented the worsening state of their health and appealed to both the government and their families to take urgent steps towards securing their release.

According to him, his fellow captive, identified as Yahya and understood to be the former party secretary, is seriously ill, while he is also battling health challenges that require regular medication.

“We are in a dire situation. Yahya is ill, and even I myself am battling sickness, as you know I have been living on medication,” he said in the video.

The former party chairman expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of progress in efforts to secure their freedom, warning that continued delay could have fatal consequences.

“If you have given up on us and want us dead, then be straightforward about it,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

The captives also narrated the harsh conditions under which they are being held, revealing that they are forced to undertake long treks through the forest despite their advanced age and deteriorating health.

Describing life in the bandits’ camp, the former chairman said they live in constant fear of attacks from dangerous reptiles and other threats in the wilderness.

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

He appealed directly to government authorities and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at meeting the demands of their abductors and securing the release of all captives.

The emotional plea has further highlighted the growing insecurity affecting several communities across northern Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom remains a major challenge despite ongoing security operations.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities in Kebbi State had not issued an official statement regarding the video or the current status of efforts to rescue the abducted politicians.

Family members, political associates, and concerned residents have continued to call for urgent intervention, expressing fears that the health conditions of the two elderly captives may worsen if they remain in captivity much longer.