Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba

Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba

By: Zagazola Makama

The promotion of Brig.-Gen. SM Uba, Director Defence Information, to the prestigious rank of Major General should have been a moment of pride and celebration for his family, colleagues and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Instead, it coincided with one of the most disturbing episodes of misinformation targeting a serving senior military office an episode that point to the devastating human cost of fake news.

In recent days, malicious actors repeatedly circulated photographs of the officer online, falsely claiming he was dead. While the Defence Headquarters swiftly debunked the rumour, the damage was already done.

Unknown to many, the fake news triggered panic, trauma and emotional distress within his family. When the false reports first emerged, his wife and children broke down in tears, unable to process the sudden shock. Despite repeated attempts to reassure them that he was alive and well, they remained inconsolable until they travelled to Abuja to see him physically.

Even more heartbreaking is the fact that as at Wednesday, the same misleading posts were still circulating at the exact moment he was promoted to his new rank as a Major General.

This contrast the spread of a death hoax against the backdrop of a well-deserved promotion captures the cruel reality of misinformation in the digital age. It is not just a threat to public order. It destroys families, inflicts psychological harm, undermines institutions and disrespects the honour of those who dedicate their lives to national service.

Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba