Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has dismissed claims that he was targeted for elimination by the United States during recent airstrikes on terrorist positions in Sokoto State.
Gumi said the reports were based on a misinterpretation of an old viral video in which he spoke about past threats to his life, clarifying that his comments were in reference to the Boko Haram insurgency and not any recent military action.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Sunday, the cleric explained that Boko Haram members allegedly attempted to assassinate him in 2012, stressing that the incident had no link to the recent US airstrikes.
He added that his life is not currently under threat and that there is no danger to his safety, contrary to claims circulating on social media.
According to Gumi, he survived the earlier attempt on his life by the grace of God, noting that those behind the plot operated under the banner of Boko Haram.
“There is fake news going viral claiming that I said I was targeted by a US attack on Nigerian soil, or something similar,” he wrote.
“I never made such a statement, nor did I ever imagine such a possibility. I am comfortably at home with my family, without fear, intimidation, or apprehension.
“I believe the misinterpretation arose from a lecture I delivered in a mosque, where I explained how, in August 2012, I was informed that Boko Haram had planned to eliminate me.
“The two individuals sent to carry out the attack were killed instantly when the bomb they were carrying detonated in their hands near my house.
“I therefore advise all media organisations that published the false report to retract it publicly and issue an apology,” he added.