In new statements, billionaire business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has debunked the viral reports making rounds online that he was among the people held hostage in the hotel siege by gunmen in Mali.
We
reported it here earlier today that unknown gunmen attacked a five-star hotel in Mali's capital, Bamako and are holding 170 people hostage.
A business owner identified as Garba Konate who spoke to Al Jazeera by phone from Bamako, said, "About 10 gunmen arrived early in the morning and shot all the guards in front of the Radisson. One of the guests reportedly staying at the hotel is Nigerian Aliko Dangote - the richest person in Africa."
The news which was published in Al Jazeera website went viral and Nigerians took to Twitter to air their concern for Nigeria's most powerful entreprenuer.
The billionaire business mogul on hearing the news, took to his Twitter to debunk the viral reports, he tweeted; "Rumour about me being held hostage is false. I was in Mali yesterday.Thank you for your concern. My prayers with those involved."
The official Twitter page of Dangote Group also Tweeted; "Thank you all for your concern. @AlikoDangote is safe and fine in Nigeria. Our prayers are with Mali and families of those involved."
Media mogul, Dele Moomodu had earlier Tweeted; "The Boss Breaking News: Alhaji Aliko Dangote has spoken to us from Lagos "I've not been held hostage in Mali... I left yesterday afternoon!"
He added; "I just spoke at length with Alhaji Aliko Dangote in Lagos... Details coming soon at http://www.thebossnewspapers.com"