While the Nigerian Government confirmed the death of Taraba State governor, Danbaba Suntai, the State Government insists that he is alive though in this evening’s plane crash at Yola Airport in neighbouring Adamawa State.

“The governor is still alive but injured,” said his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa,

in a statement. He disclosed that officials of the State Government were desperately making efforts to reach the crash site and the Adamawa General Hospital where Governor Suntai and others in the crashed plane belonging to the Taraba State Government are said to be receiving treatment.

News Express reports that a senior aide of President Goodluck Jonathan had initially confirmed Suntai’s death. Reno Omokri, Special Assistant to the President on New Media, had tweeted: “May the soul of the late departed Governor, Danbaba Suntai, of Taraba State rest in peace and may God grant the state peace this trying time.”

Omokri however deleted the tweet a few minutes ago apparently on the basis of fresh information from Taraba.

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has promised to clear up things soon.

*Photo: Governor Suntai.