Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, the Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has dismissed viral reports alleging that he was a target of recent United States airstrikes against terrorists in Sokoto State, describing the claims as false, misleading and recycled propaganda.
Gumi said he was neither listed for elimination nor under any form of threat, insisting that he is “comfortably staying” in his home without fear or intimidation.
Speaking in an interview with Leadership, the controversial cleric clarified that the video being circulated online was an old clip taken out of context and had nothing to do with recent military operations or any alleged US action on Nigerian soil.
According to him, the video referred to an incident in August 2012 when members of the Boko Haram insurgent group allegedly planned to assassinate him because of his outspoken stance against extremism.
“There is a fake news going viral now that wrongly claims that I said I was targeted by the US attack on Nigerian soil, or something to that effect. I never said so, and I never imagined such a possibility,” Gumi said.
He explained that the threat he spoke about occurred over a decade ago, adding that the two individuals sent to carry out the attack were killed when an explosive device detonated prematurely near his residence.
“What I was referring to was in 2012, when Boko Haram planned to eliminate me. That incident has nothing to do with now. What I am seeing online is not what I said,” he stated.
Gumi stressed that his life is not in danger at present and dismissed claims that he was living in fear or under security watch.
“I am in my house with my family, without fear, apprehension or intimidation. I am a peaceful person, and my life is not under any threat,” he said.
The cleric also called on media organisations and online platforms that published the reports to retract them and issue public apologies.
“I advise all news agencies that reported this fake news to publicly retract it and tender their apologies. I didn’t offend anyone, and I have never said I was marked for elimination,” Gumi added.
The cleric has, in recent years, remained a polarising figure due to his comments on insurgency, banditry and negotiations with armed groups in northern Nigeria.
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