Sheikh Gumi Denies Assassination Claims Linked to US Airstrikes in Sokoto

• Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has denied reports claiming he was targeted for assassination during recent US airstrikes in Sokoto State.
• He said the viral video behind the claims is from 2012 and relates to past threats from Boko Haram, not current events.

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has dismissed reports circulating online that he was a target of a United States assassination attempt during recent airstrikes on terrorist camps in Sokoto State.

Speaking in an interview with Leadership, Gumi clarified that the viral video fueling the claims is old and has been taken out of context. According to him, the footage dates back to 2012 and addressed threats he received from the Boko Haram insurgent group at the time.

The cleric explained that Boko Haram had sought to eliminate him over his outspoken stance against the group, but emphasized that the situation has no connection to the recent US military operations in Sokoto.

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.”