By peterside Rejoice
Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has denied claims that he alleged he was targeted for assassination by the United States during recent airstrikes on terrorists in Sokoto State.
Gumi clarified that a viral old video in which he raised concerns over threats to his life was being misinterpreted and falsely linked to the recent US military action in Nigeria.
In a post on his official Facebook page on Sunday, the cleric explained that the video referred to an incident involving the Boko Haram sect in 2012, when members of the group allegedly planned to eliminate him.
According to him, his life is not currently under any threat, contrary to reports circulating on social media and in some sections of the media.
“There is 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,” Gumi stated.
“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,” he added.
Gumi explained that the source of the misinterpretation was a lecture he delivered at a mosque, during which he recounted how Boko Haram members attempted to assassinate him in August 2012.
He disclosed that the two individuals sent to carry out the attack were killed when the explosive device they were carrying detonated near his residence.
“It was God who saved me from being killed by those who operated under the name of Boko Haram,” he said.
The cleric advised media organisations that published the reports to retract them and issue public apologies, stressing the need for proper verification before disseminating information.
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