Scores Dead, Hostages Freed In Mali Hotel Siege

• Dangote Escapes Attack By 24 Hours

SUSPECTED Islamic extremists armed with guns and throwing grenades yesterday morning stormed the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali’s capital, Bamako, killing at least 13 people and taking numerous hostages, before they (hostages) were later freed.

Mali’s special forces launched an operation, first freeing about 80 hostages, according to the state-run ORTM Channel on a scrolling banner.

“Our special forces have freed hostages and 30 others were able to escape on their own,” Security Minister, Salif Traore, told AFP.

Nigerian billionaire investor, Aliko Dangote, who was recently named Africa’s richest man by Forbes magazine, reportedly escaped the attack on the American-owned hotel, having left about 24 hours earlier.

There were fears earlier on that he may have been trapped in the attack. But Dangote, in a Twitter account said to be his, wrote: “Rumour about me being held hostage is false. I was in Mali yesterday. Thank you for your concern. My prayers with those involved.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, has condemned the attack.

Ban, in a statement issued by his spokesperson in Bamako, expressed his sincere condolences to the government of Mali and the bereaved families and wished the wounded speedy recovery.