A disturbing video has surfaced online showing the former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Koko-Besse Local Government Area in Kebbi State and another elderly man pleading desperately for help from inside the notorious Birnin Gwari forest.
In the emotional footage, the two elderly victims, who look visibly exhausted and completely broken, made an urgent appeal to their families, community leaders, and government authorities to intervene and negotiate their release.
They warned that their health is failing rapidly in the bush where they are being kept.
The former APC chairman openly wept over their situation, describing it as abandonment by those who were supposed to step in and save them.
He expressed deep frustration over the complete lack of progress in getting them out.
According to him, both of them are battling severe health conditions while surviving the terrible environment of the kidnappers’ camp.
The elderly politician further revealed that despite their advanced age and critical medical conditions, their abductors have been forcing them to trek long, exhausting distances through the dense forest.
The second hostage, identified simply as Yahya, also made a passionate plea in the video, begging family members, close friends, and the government to move quickly, mobilize support, and raise the ransom demanded by the bandits to save their lives.
At one point in the footage, a heavily armed bandit standing over the old men ordered the former APC chairman to identify himself clearly and explain his political status so that those expected to pay for his release would know exactly who he is.
Highlighting the life-threatening conditions they face daily, the victim mentioned that they are living among dangerous reptiles in the bush.
The distressing video has triggered massive concern among residents and social media users, throwing a harsh spotlight on the severe insecurity plaguing parts of Northern Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom has continued to explode despite ongoing military operations.
With the emotional video now going viral across social media platforms, pressure is mounting heavily on the victims’ families, community stakeholders, and the government to scale up rescue efforts before the elderly men succumb to their failing health.
See video below:
