Former Army Chief and one-time Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has refuted claims that he was attacked by suspected terrorists in Borno State.
This came through a statement issued on Monday, June 9, in Abuja by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (retd.), who once served as the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson and now represents Buratai.
Brig.-Gen. Usman noted that recent media reports suggesting Buratai was targeted by Boko Haram insurgents are completely untrue and have no basis in fact. He described the reports as “mischievous and utterly false,” warning the public to be wary of such misleading information.
According to Usman, the former army chief has not travelled to Borno State recently and has been in Abuja throughout the Eid celebrations. He stated clearly that Buratai celebrated the Sallah holiday quietly in the Federal Capital Territory with close family, friends, and supporters.
He said: “To avoid doubt, he celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja in the company of family, friends, and well-wishers, and he has remained within the Federal Capital Territory since then.”
Usman went further to explain that the story of the attack is a fabrication spread by those he called “purveyors of fake news.” He added that such individuals are only interested in misleading the public and causing unnecessary alarm.
“This baseless rumour is a product of the reckless imagination of the purveyors of fake news, individuals whose sole aim is to malign him, spread fear, confusion and misinformation,” the statement added.
