President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, by gunmen in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Politics Nigeria learnt that the victims were shot dead at about 7:30pm on Monday in front of the cleric’s residence.
Consequently, Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the attackers and bring them to justice.
The president’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said Tinubu was “deeply saddened” by the killings, describing the attack as “heinous and an assault on the values of peace and sanctity of human life”.
The statement read, “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 President has directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to move swiftly, intensify efforts already underway by the Katsina State Police Command, and ensure the perpetrators are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice,” the statement added.
“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the souls of the departed and for comfort for all those who mourn their death.”
The Katsina State Police Command had earlier confirmed the incident in a statement issued late Monday by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq.
According to the police, two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on the victims at about 7:30pm on October 26, 2026, in front of the cleric’s residence.
“The victims were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital for medical attention, where they were unfortunately pronounced dead by the attending medical doctor,” the statement said.
Politics Nigeria reports that the police said the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsin-Ma led a team of operatives to the scene after receiving a report of the attack.
Ali Umar Fage, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, subsequently ordered the deployment of tactical and operational teams to the area to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The command said an investigation had commenced and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.
Amnesty International has since also condemned the killing of the Islamic cleric, and called on Nigerian authorities to launch an effective, thorough and impartial investigation into the attack.
The human rights organisation said the cleric was shot dead by gunmen riding motorcycles in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State as he left his home for his usual evening preaching session.
It urged the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that anyone suspected of involvement is brought to justice through a fair legal process.
Masussuka was known for using his religious teachings to promote peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding among Muslims and other members of society.
He also spoke against violent extremism and radicalisation, using his preaching to encourage peaceful relations within communities.
Amnesty International further disclosed that the cleric had faced threats to his life and intimidation, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death.
