Kebbi: Police confirm death of abducted Islamic cleric in bandits’ captivity

Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed reports that an Islamic cleric, Alhaji Muhammad Maibarga, who was abducted by bandits in Koko-Besse Local Government Area, has died in captivity.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bashir Usman, said the command was aware of reports indicating that the cleric had died while in the custody of his abductors.

“We are aware of reports concerning the victim’s deteriorating condition and possible death in captivity,” he said.

Usman added that efforts were ongoing to verify the development and secure the rescue of other kidnapped victims in Koko-Besse and Wasagu local government areas.

The kidnapping was not publicly announced when it occurred but was later confirmed by the police following enquiries from journalists.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that Maibarga was abducted alongside a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Koko-Besse Local Government Area.

A video that surfaced online showed the two elderly men appealing for help from captivity and describing their deteriorating health conditions.

In the footage, the former APC chairman said both men were ill and had been forced to trek long distances through forests despite their age and medical conditions.

The video generated widespread concern among residents and on social media, with the captives appealing to their families, community leaders and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.

According to reports, Maibarga later succumbed to his illness while in captivity.

Residents of his community have since observed Salatul Gha’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for the late cleric, as his body has not been recovered.