Following posts on social media linking former military Head of State with banditry in his native Niger State, General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (rtd), has denied any such link, saying he has no links with armed bandits and any other terrorists group in Niger State.
He described reports in that direction as “false and unfounded” and fake news.
One of such reports making the rounds on social media reads: “The mystery helicopter supplying weapons and ammunitions to bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers in Niger State of Nigeria had been arrested by locals using supernatural powers at Arina vllage in Shiroro local govt. area, sending bees to cover the body of the helicopter and chasing the pilots away have finally been identified as belonging to General Abdulsalam Abubakar.”
The post did not say how it was traced to the retired general, but an attached photo of a combat helicopter, raised doubts as to iys veracity as that kind is not seen in these parts of the world.
There have been reports of choppers spotted in part of northern Nigeria, allegedly carrying weapons and supplies for terrorists and bandits.
However, Abdulsalami”s spokesman, Dr. Yakubu Suleiman, alleged that some selected online media had linked him to a purported arrested helicopter supplying food and weapons to bandits in parts of the state.
General Abdulsalami in the statement disassociated himself from such “a heinous crime that is unbecoming of any patriotic citizen”.
“This kind of fake news has the potential of aggravating the already tense security situation in the country and should not be condoned”, he stated.
He added, “I urged Nigerians to ignore such treacherous acts and to be careful With the kind of information they dish out and share on Social Media”.
He wondered how individuals can be so callous to peddle such news and smear the image and character of people.
He further urged Nigerians to continue to work and pray for enduring peace in Nigeria, saying that no nation can attain greatness without peace and security of lives and property.