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Nigerian billionaire debunks being held hostage in Mali hotel attack

Xinhua, November 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has debunked a rumor that he was a victim of the attack at a luxury hotel in central Bamako, the Malian capital on Friday.

The hotel was sieged by two unidentified gunmen Friday morning, seizing 170 guests and staff.

"Rumor about me being held hostage is false. I was in Mali yesterday (Thursday). Thank you for your concern. My prayers with those involved," he said via his official twitter handle.

Dangote's spokesman Anthony Chiejina earlier said in a statement that even while in Bamako, the businessman was not lodged at the five-star Radisson Blu Hotel where the attack is underway.

Witnesses said at least two security officials were killed in front of the hotel which is the largest one in Bamako with nearly 90 percent of its 190 rooms occupied.

At least eight Chinese tourists are among the hostages.

Security forces have set up a security perimeter around the hotel with members of the UN's MINUSMA peacekeeping force in Mali on the scene. Endit