Controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has warned that foreign involvement may not be ruled out in recent terror attacks targeting worshippers in Nigeria.

In a post made on X on Wednesday, Gumi recalled past incidents which, he said, point to the possibility of clandestine foreign operations in the country.

He referenced allegations made by Kaduna-based activist, Mahdi Shehu, against a former American envoy, Russell Hanks, who was accused of masterminding the bombing of a bookshop at Durbar Hotel in Kaduna in 1995 during the Abacha regime.

According to Gumi, the former envoy has continued to decline comments on the allegation, describing the incident as “just another possibility” that supports his claims.

He further argued that Nigeria’s designation as a “country of concern” by foreign powers has placed it on their radar for covert activities aimed at justifying external intervention.

Gumi claimed that the ultimate targets of such actions are Nigeria’s sovereignty and natural wealth, adding that similar tactics are now being directed at Venezuela.

“Terror Attacks on Worshippers. Don’t rule out foreign involvement. We can vividly remember the American ex-envoy, Russell Hanks, who was accused by the Kaduna-based activist, Mahdi Shehu, of masterminding the bombing of a bookshop at Durbar Hotel, Kaduna, in 1995 during Abacha regime.

“He declined to comment on the matter to this date. Just another possibility. Nigeria being a country of concern by them, puts it on their radar for clandestine operations to prove the need for intervention.

“The aim is our sovereignty and wealth. Now their attention is focused on Venezuela. This is how they can use their embassies to evade censor,” He wrote. (Nigerian Tribune)