Kidnapped Kebbi Elderly Man Seen in Viral Plea Video Dies in Captivity

Malam Yahaya Billi, one of the two elderly men featured in a viral video pleading for help after being kidnapped in Kebbi State, has died while in the custody of his abductors.

His death was announced on Tuesday by the Koko-Besse Local Government chapter of JIBWIS (Izalah).

Billi was abducted alongside a former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Koko-Besse LGA, who also appeared in a widely circulated video released by the kidnappers. In the footage, the two men appeared weak and distressed as they appealed to relatives, friends, and political associates to help secure their freedom.

The former APC chairman, who identified himself in the video, said he and Billi were suffering in captivity and urgently needed assistance. He also revealed that Billi was seriously ill and required daily medication.

In one emotional appeal, he urged those being contacted by the kidnappers to respond, saying that if they could not help, they should let them know so they could prepare for their final prayers.

JIBWIS announced that a Salatul Jana’izah Ga’ib (funeral prayer in absentia) for Malam Yahaya Billi would be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the entrance of the residence of the Sarkin Koko.

The circumstances surrounding the abduction were not disclosed, and the whereabouts and condition of the former APC chairman remain unknown.