The Delta state government has dismissed as untrue reports by some online newspapers that former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan had passed on.

Media aide to governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state, Mr Ossai Ovie in a statement on his facebook page said he spoke with the daughter of the ex governor Miss Orode Uduaghan who told him that the father is alive.

His statement titled : “Former governor uduaghan is alive – death rumor false

“I have just seen reports circulating online claiming that the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead.

“Some people have been reaching out to me asking “Ossai Ovie Success is the news real “?

“I immediately reached out to his family to confirm.

“I spoke directly with his daughter Orode Uduaghan on the phone, and she confirmed that the news is false.

“Dr Uduaghan is alive.

“I am disappointed at those who spread such false information without verification.

“Spreading fake news about someone’s death is cruel, irresponsible, and causes unnecessary pain to the family and millions of Deltans who hold him in high regard.

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“I urge the public to disregard the rumor and avoid sharing unverified information. Let us show respect for life and for our leaders.

Dr. Uduaghan is fine and not dead “

Some online media last night posted that the former governor was dead. But the statement from Mr Success, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor has calmed nerves across the state.

Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area, reportedly died while in the custody of kidnappers after approximately two months in captivity.

His death has raised significant concerns regarding the escalating security situation in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kebbi State, where incidents of kidnapping and bandit attacks have been increasingly prevalent.

Mai Barga Besse was abducted alongside a close associate during an attack by armed men believed to be bandits in the Koko/Besse area.

Initially, the incident did not receive widespread media attention; however, apprehensions regarding their safety intensified in recent weeks as it came to light that both individuals were facing severe health issues while being held captive.

Before his death, a concerning video emerged online, featuring the former APC chieftain and his associate making a plea for urgent assistance from family members, political figures, community leaders, and government authorities.

In this emotional video, the victims appeared frail and fatigued, describing their dire living conditions in the forest and the deterioration of their health.

The late APC chieftain reportedly lamented that both men had become seriously ill while in captivity. He also expressed fears that continued delay in efforts to secure their release could lead to tragedy.

Sadly, those fears have now become reality.

Sources familiar with the matter said the former party leader could not survive the difficult conditions in the kidnappers’ den, where victims were allegedly forced to endure hunger, sickness and long movements through remote forest areas.

His associate, who was abducted alongside him, was also said to have suffered severe health complications during captivity.

The death of Mai Barga Besse has thrown his family, political associates and residents of Koko/Besse into mourning.

Several residents described him as a respected political figure and community leader who played a significant role in grassroots politics in Kebbi State.

Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express grief and anger over the incident, with renewed calls for stronger action against banditry and kidnapping across the country.

There are several Reports circulating on social media claiming that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is dead.

Checks by multiple credible media and fact-checking organisations confirmed that the elder statesman is alive, healthy and has continued to make public appearances in recent months.

The false claim surfaced online through viral Facebook and WhatsApp posts alleging that the former Nigerian leader had died and even left behind a “mysterious investment platform” for his family. However, fact-checkers at Dubawa described the report as a hoax, noting that no credible media organisation in Nigeria or abroad reported Obasanjo’s death.

According to Daily Trust, Obasanjo also rejected reports suggesting he had written a “death notice,” describing those spreading the rumours as people wasting their time.

Social media users had shared several misleading posts and videos falsely announcing the former president’s death. One viral TikTok clip carried the caption: “DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA OLUSEGUN OBASANJO,” prompting widespread reactions online.

Reacting to previous rumours in 2024, Obasanjo said the reports were “disturbing” and “hurtful,” warning against the spread of false information online.

Africa Check also debunked similar claims in an earlier fact-check, stating that no reliable media platform reported Obasanjo’s death and confirming through his aide that the former leader was alive.

Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s military head of state between 1976 and 1979 and later as democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007.