Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has dismissed viral claims suggesting he was a target of recent United States airstrikes on terrorists in Sokoto State. Speaking in an interview with Leadership, Gumi clarified that the circulating video being used to support the claim is old and misleading.
According to him, the footage dates back to 2012 when Boko Haram allegedly threatened his life for opposing the sect. He stressed that there is currently no threat to his safety, adding that he remains in his home without fear.
Sheikh Gumi condemned the spread of what he described as false reports and urged media organisations that published the claims to retract them and issue public apologies. The cleric noted that such misinformation fuels unnecessary tension and misleads the public, especially at a time of heightened security concerns in the country.
He said, “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 also never thought of such a possibility. I am comfortably staying in my home with my family without fear, intimidation, or apprehension.”
“I believe the source of misinterpretation was a lecture I gave in the mosque on how, in August 2012, I was told that Boko Haram had targeted me for elimination. The two people who came to execute the plan were killed instantly when the bomb detonated in their hands near my house.
“I advise all news agencies that reported the fake news to publicly retract it and tender their apologies.
“I didn’t offend anyone and how can I say I am listed among individuals marked for elimination. The report flying is false. I am a peaceful person and I am living peacefully and my life is not in danger presently, there is no threat to my life.
“What I said was not now, what I am seeing online is not what I said. I didn’t say anyone wanted to eliminate me presently. I am not afraid of anyone.”
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