23 February, 2026
B arinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, has died at the age of 64.
The lawmaker, who chaired the Senate Committee on Works, reportedly passed away on Thursday after a brief illness. As of press time, the exact cause and location of his death had not been officially confirmed, although family members said relatives are mourning his loss.
A source claimed the senator had been flown abroad for brain surgery after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, but the report could not be independently verified.
Until his passing, Mpigi was considered a close ally of Nyesom Wike.
He hailed from Tai Local Government Area within the Ogoni ethnic nationality of Rivers State and previously served two terms in the House of Representatives, representing the Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency.
Mpigi was a member of both the 9th and 10th Senates and remained in office until his death.
A source who confirmed the development, speaking anonymously, described the news as shocking.
“We are shocked over this news. I am short of words. I don’t know what to say. We are in pain,” the source said.
