Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has dismissed claims that he was a target during recent U.S. airstrikes on terrorist camps in Sokoto State.

Gumi explained that the reports stemmed from a viral video taken out of context, in which he spoke about previous threats to his life, specifically from Boko Haram in 2012. He clarified that the remarks had no connection to the recent U.S. military operations.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Gumi said he is safe and that his life is not under threat. He recounted the 2012 incident, noting that the would-be attackers were killed when a bomb they carried detonated near his home.

He added, “There is fake news going viral now that wrongly claims that I said I was targeted by the U.S. 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 urged all media outlets that reported the misleading information to retract the stories publicly and issue apologies.