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Former Bauchi State Governor, Dr. Isa Yuguda, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he had died, assuring Nigerians that he is alive and in good health.
Yuguda, who spoke following the widespread reports, disclosed that he had recently undergone surgery for a back-related condition but said he had recovered and was responding well to treatment. He explained that he has been spending most of his time at home on medical advice as he continues his recovery.
The former governor’s clarification came after the death rumour generated considerable concern, particularly in Bauchi State, with many residents, friends, supporters and associates reportedly making calls to establish whether the report was true.
Yuguda made it clear that the reports were false and that he remained alive. He also expressed gratitude to God for restoring his health after the recent illness.“I am alive. I assure you that I am in good health. I was ill recently, but God has now restored my health,” Yuguda said.
The former governor explained that his recent health challenge required back surgery, after which doctors advised him to rest. According to him, this was the reason he had not been as physically active or visible as usual.
Yuguda said he had been following medical advice and spending much of his time at home while recuperating. He further explained that problems involving the vertebrae can become serious, particularly with age, and that he was grateful that his condition had improved.
His explanation appears to have provided context for the sudden absence that may have helped fuel speculation about his wellbeing. Rather than being incapacitated as suggested by the rumours, Yuguda said he was simply taking time to recover properly after the operation.
The incident once again highlights how quickly unverified information can spread through social media, particularly when it concerns prominent public figures. A report claiming the death of a former governor can easily trigger panic among family members, supporters and people who have had personal or political associations with the individual.
In Yuguda’s case, the former governor said the reaction in Bauchi was significant. According to him, the volume of calls he received became so overwhelming that he eventually had to switch off his telephone temporarily.
He claimed that more than 10,000 people from Bauchi contacted him to establish whether he was alive. The former governor said the response demonstrated the level of concern among residents and those who had followed his public career over the years.
Yuguda also expressed appreciation to Muslims and Christians across the country who reached out, prayed for him and sought confirmation of his condition. He said some people in Bauchi became emotional after hearing the report and only became reassured after hearing directly from him.
For a former governor who spent eight years leading Bauchi State, such a reaction reflects the continued interest surrounding his wellbeing and public life. Yuguda served as governor from 2007 to 2015, after which he continued to participate in national affairs.But beyond the political history surrounding his name, the latest episode has largely centred on his personal health and the false report of his death.
Addressing the possible circumstances behind the rumour, Yuguda said he did not believe that he was involved in any serious conflict with anyone. He maintained that he does not harbour ill feelings towards others and said he preferred to live without animosity.The former governor said he had no time for hostility and expressed his desire to maintain peace with people around him. He also spoke in religious terms about life and death, noting that human beings can fall ill at any time and that life ultimately remains in God’s hands.
His comments have since helped put to rest the immediate speculation surrounding his condition. Earlier, close associates had also rejected the reports of his death. On September 25, one of his associates, Salisu Barau, described the reports as false and said Yuguda was alive and well. Another former aide, Abdulmumini Kundak, also dismissed the information as false.The latest clarification, however, came directly from Yuguda himself, making it clear that the former governor is alive and currently recovering following his back surgery.
The episode also serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying sensitive information before sharing it, especially when the information concerns someone’s health or alleged death. Social media has made it possible for news to travel across communities within minutes, but the speed of circulation does not necessarily guarantee accuracy.
For families and communities, false death reports can be particularly distressing. They can trigger unnecessary panic, emotional distress and a rush to contact relatives or associates for confirmation. In Yuguda’s case, the large number of calls he said he received showed just how far-reaching the consequences of such rumours can become.
Yuguda has therefore used the opportunity not only to correct the record but also to thank those who showed concern during the period of uncertainty.
As he continues his recovery at home, the former governor says he remains in good spirits and grateful for the prayers and goodwill he received.
For now, the message from the former Bauchi governor is straightforward: the reports of his death were false. He recently underwent back surgery, has been advised to rest, and says his health has improved.
The rumour may have travelled quickly, but Yuguda’s own voice has now provided the clearest response — he is alive, recovering and thankful for the concern shown by Nigerians.
