Dangote Billionaire denies being taken hostage in Mali terrorist attack

Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote made the swift denial via his Twitter handle today, November 20, 2015.

 

Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote has denied reports that he was taken hostage by terrorists in Mali.

Dangote made the swift denial via his Twitter handle today, November 20, 2015.

“Rumour about me being held hostage is false. I was in Mali yesterday. Thank you for your concern. My prayers with those involved,” the billionaire tweeted.

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An earlier denial had also been reportedly made by Dangote’s aide, Anthony Chiejina who said that the billionaire was not lodged at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, where the attacks are ongoing.

Gunmen attacked the five-star hotel this morning and have so far taken 170 hostages.

According to Al Jazeera, the attackers invaded the hotel with shouts of "Allahu Akbar" and opened fire outside the hotel.

READ: Gunmen take 170 hostage in Bamako

Hostages who were able to recite the Quran were reportedly released by the gunmen.