By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai has dismissed claim that he was recently attacked by terrorists on his way to his hometown.
Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South made the claim while appearing as a guest on a Channels television programme on Sunday.
Ndume had said on the programme that the former COAS came under heavy gun attack on his way to Buratai, his hometown in Borno State last Friday. The Senator claimed that the Buratai was only alive because the security operatives accompanying him repelled the attack.
But Buratai, in a statement shared by SK Usman, a former spokesperson of the Nigerian Army on his behalf on Monday morning denied the claim. Buratai said contrary to the claim of Ndume, he did not travel to Borno State on Friday.
Rather, the COAS said he celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir with his family in Abuja.
“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 fabricators of these actions are not only mischievous but also deeply irresponsible and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Buratai said.
The full statement by SK Usman reads, “In light of the recent mischievous and utterly false reports circulating on certain online platforms, I wish to categorically state that His Excellency Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, Betara of Biu, Garkuwan Keffi, former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, was not attacked in any way, contrary to what has been falsely reported by some online media outlets.
“For the avoidance of doubt, he celebrated the Eid festivities peacefully in Abuja, in the company of family, friends, and well-wishers, and I have remained within the Federal Capital Territory since then.
“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 fabricators of these actions are not only mischievous but also deeply irresponsible and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
“I sincerely extend my heartfelt and profound appreciation to the countless patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians, friends, associates and admirers of His Excelkency, who reached out with genuine concern, prayers and goodwill. Your overwhelming show of love and support is deeply cherished and speaks volumes about the enduring respect and affection we are privileged to receive from across the country and beyond.
“Let this serve as a reminder to the harbingers of fake news, that truth will always prevail. No amount of falsehood or malicious propaganda can tarnish the image of a man who has devoted his life to the service of our great nation.”
