Katsina cleric killing: Wife recounts attack, Tinubu orders manhunt

The wife of slain Katsina Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, has recounted how gunmen killed her husband in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of the state on Monday evening.

Hajiya Fatima Masussuka, who spoke with journalists at their residence in Dutsin-Ma on Tuesday, said the assailants attacked shortly after her husband left home to attend a teaching session with his Almajirai (Islamic pupils).

According to her, she had accompanied her husband outside their residence as he prepared to leave for the teaching session after he realised he had forgotten his bag.

She said, “My name is Fatima. I felt very bad. I accompanied him outside the house so he could go to where he teaches his students, the Almajirai, but I returned inside because 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.”

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

“He was indeed a caring husband,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Ansaru terrorist group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of the cleric.

The group made the claim in an audio message released on Tuesday, accusing the deceased of being an infidel.

Ansaru reportedly said it attacked at about 8:30 pm, although it did not provide verifiable evidence to substantiate its claim.

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

However, the Katsina State Police Command said it had yet to authenticate the group’s claim of responsibility.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, told our correspondent on Tuesday that the command was aware of the reports but had not confirmed their authenticity.

“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.

Late on Monday, the police had confirmed the death of Sheikh Masussuka and his friend in a statement by Sadiq.

According to the statement, “The Katsina State Police Command regrets to confirm the tragic death of a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, following an attack by suspected gunmen.

“The incident occurred today, Monday, 26th October 2026, at about 7:30 pm, in front of the scholar’s residence in Dutsin-Ma LGA, Katsina State, when two armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire, fatally injuring both victims.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Dutsin-Ma, promptly led a team of operatives to the scene. The victims were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital for medical attention, where they were unfortunately pronounced dead by the attending medical doctor.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, has ordered the deployment of tactical and operational teams to the area. An investigation has commenced, and efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.”

Tinubu orders manhunt

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of Sheikh Masussuka and his friend, Abubakar.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu, deeply saddened by the killings, described the act as heinous and an assault on the values of peace and the sanctity of human life.

“President Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their followers, as well as the government and people of Katsina State, over the tragic loss,” the statement read.

The President also directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to move swiftly, intensify efforts already under way by the Katsina State Police Command, and ensure the perpetrators are tracked down, apprehended and brought to justice.

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“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the souls of the departed and for comfort for all those who mourn their death,” the statement added.

Radda mourns

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, mourned the killing of Sheikh Masussuka, describing him as a strong advocate of peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.

The governor also assured that the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death would be thoroughly investigated, with those responsible brought to justice.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, Radda expressed shock over the incident and extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Islamic community and others affected by the loss.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that the perpetrators were apprehended.

“Those behind this heinous act must be brought to justice. I urge the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” the governor said.

Radda also appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist the investigation.

He cautioned against actions capable of escalating tensions or undermining peace in the state.

The governor described the late cleric as a religious leader whose teachings centred on the Qur’an, peaceful coexistence and understanding among people of different faiths.

Masussuka, who was popularly known by the alias “Peace Ambassador,” had previously drawn the attention of the Katsina State Government over his preaching.

The state authorities had received complaints that his sermons departed from general principles of Islamic law, and he separately complained that he faced insults and threats from members of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bidia Wa’ikhamatus Sunna.

The dispute was referred to the Katsina Emirate Council, and Radda subsequently directed him to appear before a committee of Ulamas to respond to the allegations.

Dutsin-Ma, like several local government areas in Katsina State, has in recent years recorded repeated attacks blamed on armed bandits, including kidnappings and killings targeting residents, vigilantes and security operatives.

Kwankwaso condemns killing

Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, condemned the killing of Masussuka, expressing concern over the growing attacks on religious scholars and other innocent citizens.

Kwankwaso, in a post on his verified X account on Tuesday, described the continued killings as disturbing and called for decisive action to protect citizens and restore security.

“I am saddened by the death of Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, whose passing adds to the growing concern over the disturbing attacks and killings of religious scholars and other innocent citizens by gunmen in our society,” he said.

The former governor said the targeting of religious scholars was particularly troubling because of their role in promoting Islamic teachings, moral values, peaceful coexistence and the spiritual development of communities.

He condemned the violence and called for stronger efforts to protect lives and ensure that those responsible for the killings were brought to justice.

“I strongly condemn the senseless violence against citizens. The continued loss of lives to insecurity is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for decisive action to protect our people, bring the perpetrators to justice, and restore peace and security across the country,” Kwankwaso said.

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

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, students, associates, and the entire Muslim community over this loss,” he added.