‘I Didn’t say I Was Marked For Elimination By U.S.’- Gumi

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has dismissed claims circulating online that he said he was targeted for elimination by United States airstrikes carried out against terrorists in Sokoto State, describing the reports as false and misleading.

Speaking exclusively on Sunday night to Leadership, Gumi said a viral video being shared on social media was old and had been taken out of context.

He explained that the footage referred to a threat against his life by the Boko Haram insurgent group in 2012, and not to any current security situation or foreign military operation.

According to him, there is no threat to his life at present, contrary to claims suggesting he was marked for elimination during recent U.S. airstrikes.

“There is fake news going viral now that wrongly claims I said I was targeted by the U.S. attack on Nigerian soil,” Gumi said, adding that “I never said so, and I never imagined such a thing.”

The cleric said he is currently living peacefully with his family and has no cause for fear or apprehension.

He attributed his survival during the 2012 incident to divine intervention, recounting how two individuals allegedly sent to kill him died when an explosive detonated prematurely near his residence.

Gumi urged media organisations that published the reports to retract them and issue public apologies, insisting that his remarks had been misinterpreted.

“What I spoke about was something that happened years ago, not now,” he said, saying that “I did not say anyone wants to eliminate me presently. My life is not in danger.”

He reaffirmed his stance as a peaceful individual and cautioned against the spread of misinformation capable of inflaming public tension or distorting facts surrounding sensitive security issues.