An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, has been killed by unidentified gunmen who attacked him at the entrance to his residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.
The cleric was reportedly killed alongside a visitor identified as Malam Adamu during the attack.
Our correspondent gathered that the assailants arrived on a motorcycle before attacking the cleric at his residence.
The incident reportedly occurred while Sheikh Masussuka was preparing for a peace and unity gathering scheduled for October 31, 2026.
The planned gathering was expected to bring people together for discussions centred on peace and unity.
The killing of the cleric and his visitor comes amid continuing concerns about insecurity in parts of Katsina State and other areas of northern Nigeria, where communities have faced attacks by armed groups.
The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the killing according to a police statement issued on Monday evening by the Katsina State Command.
The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, ANIPR, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, said the victims were rushed to the nearest hospital after the attack but were pronounced dead by a doctor.
“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 armed gunmen,” the statement said.
The command said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Dutsin-Ma immediately led a team of police operatives to the scene after receiving a report of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Ali Umar Fage, has ordered the deployment of tactical and operational teams to the area to track down the fleeing suspects.
The command said an investigation had commenced, while efforts were being intensified to identify, locate and arrest those responsible for the killings.
The police commissioner also extended his condolences to the families, friends and followers of the deceased, as well as residents of Dutsin-Ma, over the incident.
He assured the public that the command would continue its efforts until the perpetrators were apprehended and brought to justice.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the police added.
Amnesty International has condemned the killing calling on Nigerian authorities to immediately launch an effective, thorough and impartial investigation into the killing and ensure that anyone suspected of involvement is brought to justice through a fair legal process.
The organisation also stress the need for the authorities to take decisive action to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and hold those responsible accountable.
Amnesty International further disclosed that the late cleric had faced threats to his life and intimidation throughout his life, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his killing.
The organisation’s condemnation comes amid renewed calls for the protection of religious figures and other individuals who promote peaceful coexistence and speak against violent extremism.
