Gunmen attack Mali after Dangote’s departure

Unidentified gunmen have laid siege on Radisson Blu Hotel, at the heart of Mali’s capital city of Bamako, one day after Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, visited the country.

The group of attackers, numbering at least 10, hit the hotel at 0700GMT, holding up to 170 hostages and sparking fears that Dangote might have been one of them.

However, Anthony Chiejina, spokesman of the multi-billion-dollar businessman, told TheCable that not only was Dangote absent at the hotel, contrary to reports, he never even lodged in any Malian hotel throughout his visit.

Dangote’s official Twitter handle later reiterated Chiejina’s dislclosure to TheCable, saying: “Rumour about me being held hostage is false. I was in Mali yesterday.Thank you for your concern. My prayers with those involved.”

Three people have already been confirmed dead in the attack.