By Ayodele Oni
Kebbi state police command has confirmed the death of a prominent Islamic cleric, Alhaj Muhammad Maibarga while in bandits’ enclave.
Alhaji Maibarga, had earlier been kidnapped in Koko-Besse Local Government Area.
His reported death has ended efforts at securing his release.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed that the deceased was abducted alongside a friend, a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko-Besse Local Government Area.
While the cleric has now been confirmed dead, the former APC chairman remains in captivity.
The incident drew widespread attention after disturbing videos surfaced on social media, showing the two elderly victims in captivity.
In the footage, believed to have been recorded around June 4, 2026, the men appeared weak and visibly distressed, pleading for help while reportedly being held in a forest area suspected to be around Birnin Gwari.
One of the captives was seen lamenting his deteriorating health condition and appealing for urgent medical assistance, raising concerns among family members, religious groups, and residents across the region.
Local sources and officials of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), popularly known as Izalah, identified the deceased as Malam Yahaya Billi, who was also referred to in some reports as Alhaj Muhammad Maibarga or Muhammad Mai Barga Besse.
He was widely respected as the chairman and leader of the Islamic organization in Koko-Besse.
Following confirmation of his death, the JIBWIS chapter in Koko-Besse announced his passing and organized a funeral prayer in absentia, known as Salatul Jana’izah Ga’ib, at the entrance of the residence of the Sarkin Koko.
The death of the cleric has triggered grief and outrage among residents, with many expressing concern over the worsening security situation in parts of Northwest Nigeria.
Community leaders and stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger security operations to tackle banditry and secure the release of those still being held hostage.
The Northwest region has continued to face recurring attacks by armed groups involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and violent raids on communities, leaving many families devastated.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Police Command has urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring justice is served.
As authorities continue investigations, concerns remain over the fate of the second victim, whose whereabouts and condition are still unknown.
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