Tinubu Orders Manhunt After Gunmen Kill Katsina Cleric, Friend

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The wife of slain Islamic scholar Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka has recounted how gunmen shot her husband dead outside their residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, as President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to track down the perpetrators.

Hajiya Fatima Masussuka said the attack occurred on Monday evening shortly after her husband left their home to attend a teaching session with his Almajirai, or Islamic pupils.

Speaking to journalists at their residence on Tuesday, Fatima explained that she had accompanied her husband outside before returning indoors after he realised he had forgotten his bag.

“Before I knew what was happening, I heard four gunshots. When I came out, I discovered that he had been shot,” she said.

Describing the deceased as a caring husband, Fatima disclosed that she was his second wife and that they had a daughter together.

Masussuka was killed alongside his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in the attack, which the Katsina State Police Command said was carried out by two armed men riding on a motorcycle.

According to the police, the incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26, in front of the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.

The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital but were pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

The police said tactical and operational teams had been deployed to the area, while an investigation was underway to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects.

Ansaru reportedly claims responsibility

Meanwhile, the Ansaru terrorist group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing in an audio message released on Tuesday.

According to reports, the group accused the cleric of being an infidel and claimed to have carried out the attack at about 8:30 p.m. However, it did not provide verifiable evidence to support its claim.

The Katsina State Police Command said it had not authenticated the reported claim.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, said security operatives were investigating the incident and would make further information public when the investigation was concluded.

“We heard of the rumour making the rounds, but we are yet to authenticate the claim. We are on the field, and once we conclude the investigation, we will make it public,” Sadiq said.

Ansaru, which is linked to al-Qaeda, broke away from Boko Haram in 2012 and has operated in parts of north-western Nigeria.

Tinubu, Radda condemn killing

President Tinubu condemned the killings, describing them as heinous acts that violated the sanctity of human life and the values of peace.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, their followers and the people of Katsina State.

Tinubu directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, also mourned the cleric, describing him as an advocate of peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.

In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the governor called for a thorough investigation and urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

He also appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist the investigation. He warned against actions capable of heightening tensions or undermining peace.

Cleric previously involved in preaching dispute

Masussuka, popularly known as the “Peace Ambassador,” had previously attracted the attention of the Katsina State Government over his preaching.

Authorities had received complaints alleging that some of his sermons departed from general principles of Islamic law. The cleric had also reportedly complained of insults and threats from members of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidia Wa’ikhamatus Sunna.

The dispute was referred to the Katsina Emirate Council, after which Governor Radda directed the cleric to appear before a committee of Islamic scholars to respond to the allegations.

The circumstances surrounding the dispute and whether it had any connection to the killing have not been established.

Kwankwaso expresses concern

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso also condemned the killing, expressing concern over attacks on religious scholars and other innocent citizens.

Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, said the continued loss of lives to insecurity was unacceptable and called for decisive action to protect citizens and restore peace.

He extended his condolences to the cleric’s family, students, associates and the wider Muslim community.

Dutsin-Ma and several other local government areas in Katsina State have experienced repeated attacks blamed on armed bandits, including kidnappings and killings targeting residents, vigilantes and security personnel.

The police investigation into the killing of Masussuka and Abubakar is ongoing.

The Daily Reality