Former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, who was rumoured dead in the media early this week, returned to the country on Friday after a three-week medical trip to Germany.

Babangida landed at the Minna International Airport, Minna, Niger State, at about 3:30pm on Friday and was welcomed by a crowd of well-wishers and a state delegation led by governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello.

Governor Bello praised Allah for preserving the life of the former military leader, noting that wise counsel of distinguished leaders like Babangida are needed at this time when the country is going through challenging times.   “Despite unfounded rumour about the life of our national icon, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, we are grateful that it pleases Allah to preserve his life and bring him back safely and healthier to continue in the good work of nation building. General Babangida remain one of the few leaders in this country that we still need around to tap from their wealth of experience and knowledge and we are grateful he is back and kicking like the old soldier he is,” the governor said.

Rumours of Babangida’s death had been all over the social media for about a week but it was refuted by his son, Mohammed Babangida.

Governor Bello expressed displeasure at the media reports of the former leader’s death describing them as reckless, unethical and unwarranted.