Sheikh Gumi Refutes Viral Video Alleging He Was Targeted By US Airstrikes

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has officially dismissed viral claims suggesting he was targeted for elimination during recent United States airstrikes against terrorists in Sokoto State. Clarifying the situation through a telephone interview with Leadership on Sunday night, Gumi explained that the video currently circulating across social media platforms is an old clip being deliberately taken out of context. He emphasized that the footage has absolutely no connection to any recent U.S. military operations or current security developments within Nigeria, labeling the reports as entirely fabricated.

The cleric was quick to reassure the public regarding his safety, noting that he is currently living peacefully with his family without any sense of impending danger. He pointed out that the confusion stems from a decade-old event involving the Boko Haram sect rather than any modern military drone strikes. Addressing the misinformation directly, he stated, “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.”  

Gumi further explained that the source of the misunderstanding was likely a lecture he delivered in a mosque, during which he recounted a specific assassination attempt from over ten years ago. During that talk, he shared the story of how he survived a plot against his life in August 2012. Recalling that moment, he said, “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.” This historical context was seemingly weaponized by bad actors to create a false narrative about his current status.

The details of that 2012 incident involved a failed bombing attempt where the attackers were stopped by a premature explosion. Gumi attributed his survival to divine intervention, noting that the perpetrators were killed before they could reach his residence. He recounted the event by saying, “The two people who came to execute the plan were killed instantly when the bomb detonated in their hands near my house.” He firmly believes it was Almighty Allah who saved him from those operating under the banner of Boko Haram, and he finds the current rumors of a “hit list” to be logically unfounded.

In closing, the cleric maintained that he has no reason to fear for his life and that there is no present danger surrounding him. He expressed frustration at the way his past words have been twisted to fit a modern, controversial headline. Reiterating his safety, he concluded, “I didn’t offend anyone and how can I say I am listed among individuals marked for elimination. The report flying is false. 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”