Earlier this month, it was widely reported in newspapers and online platforms that a gorilla in Nigeria had eaten 6.8 million Naira (USD22,000). Investigations which had been ordered by Abdullahi Ganduje, the governor of northern Kano state, and conducted by the state's anti-corruption commission regarding the disappearance of the money has now revealed that it had nothing to do with the gorilla as the money had been stolen by armed robbers.
While addressing reporters, the governor stated:
Preliminary reports indicate that there was armed robbery at the zoo. The issue of (a) gorilla is junk journalism. This is because there is … no gorilla in that zoo.”
While acknowledging that he had ordered the state’s anti-corruption commission to look into the disappearance of gate fees at the Kano Zoological Gardens because of his own suspicions, he was quick to remind reporters about the need to fact-check before publishing 'outrageous' claims.
This is not the first time that Nigeria has found itself in the spotlight with respect to bizarre disappearances of money and it most likely will not be the last. Just last year, a sales clerk was suspended after telling auditors that 36 million Naira (USD100,000) had been swallowed by a snake.
While there are some who believe that the monies are consumed by animals as alleged, a vast majority are of the view that the bizarre tales are just stories that are meant to cover up corrupt dealings and theft. Many are not convinced that a gorilla or snake would consume bundles of notes without anyone noticing more so in a zoo where the animals are under constant supervision.
The governor further reiterated his determination to support President Muhammadu Buhari in fighting corruption, kidnappings, and armed robberies that are tarnishing the name of the country.
Header Image Credit: puo reports