By Erewunmi Peace

Controversy has surrounded Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric in Nigeria, after videos circulated online suggesting he claimed to be targeted by the U.S. military for alleged links to Boko Haram.

However, Sheikh Gumi has publicly denied these claims, stating that the videos were misinterpreted and taken out of context.

He emphasized that he never made a statement about any current U.S. operation targeting him.

Clarifying the Viral Claims
The online content suggested that Sheikh Gumi said he was marked for elimination by the United States due to alleged Boko Haram connections.

These claims quickly gained attention on social media, sparking debates and concerns among citizens.

In response, Sheikh Gumi clarified:

“I did not say I was marked for elimination by the U.S. The videos being circulated are old and taken out of context. There is no current threat to my life from the United States.”

Background

Sheikh Gumi has long been involved in dialogue and negotiations between Nigerian authorities and some insurgent groups in the Northeast, which has occasionally attracted controversy.

Security experts have also noted that no official U.S. or Nigerian government statement has confirmed any planned targeting of Sheikh Gumi, highlighting that the viral claims were unverified.

Public Reaction

Observers have stressed the importance of verifying information before sharing, particularly regarding sensitive security issues.

Misinterpretation of statements from public figures can lead to unnecessary panic and misinformation.

Sheikh Gumi’s clarification aims to set the record straight and reassure the public that he is not currently under threat from any foreign government.