Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has called for the urgent rescue of two abducted elderly citizens in Kebbi State, including a former APC chairman in Koko-Besse Local Government Area, Alhaji Muhammad Mai Barga Besse, and Alhaji Yahaya Bili.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, Malami expressed deep concern over a distressing video circulating on social media showing the two men pleading for help from captivity.
He described the situation as heartbreaking, particularly considering their age and reported health conditions, stressing that no citizen should be subjected to such inhumane treatment.
“I am deeply concerned by the distressing video circulating on social media showing two elderly citizens from Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Mai Barga Besse and Alhaji Yahaya Bili, appealing for help while in captivity,” he said.
Malami extended sympathy to the families of the victims and prayed for their safe and speedy return, urging security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing their release.
“I respectfully urge the relevant security agencies and authorities to intensify efforts toward securing their immediate and safe release.
The protection of lives remains a fundamental responsibility, and every necessary measure should be taken to rescue them and reunite them with their families,” he added.
The appeal comes after a video surfaced online showing the abducted men in distress, pleading for help and lamenting their worsening health conditions while in captivity.
In the footage, the victims, said to have been held for an extended period, appealed to their families, community leaders, and government authorities to intensify efforts for their release, claiming their health had deteriorated significantly.
The former APC chairman was seen lamenting that both he and his co-abductee were suffering from illness and difficult conditions in the kidnappers’ camp, adding that they had been forced to trek long distances despite their age and medical challenges.
Malami further prayed for divine intervention, expressing hope that the victims regain strength and return home safely.
