morganable news/security& justice
Meanwhile, the Ansaru terrorist group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the assassination, alleging in an audio message released on Tuesday that the cleric was an infidel.
KaNo—
President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the gunmen responsible for the killing of a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The directive came as the wife of the slain cleric, Hajiya Fatima Masussuka, narrated how her husband was shot dead by suspected gunmen on Monday evening while preparing to attend a teaching session with his Almajirai pupils.
Speaking with journalists at the family residence in Dutsin-Ma on Tuesday, Fatima said the incident occurred shortly after her husband stepped outside their home.
She explained that she had accompanied him outside but returned indoors after discovering that he had forgotten his bag.
According to her, she was still inside the house when she heard four gunshots, prompting her to rush outside, where she discovered that her husband had been shot.
“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,” she recounted.
The grieving widow described the deceased as a caring husband who maintained a close relationship with his family.
Fatima, who disclosed that she was the cleric’s second wife, said their marriage was blessed with a daughter.
“He was indeed a caring husband,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Ansaru terrorist group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the assassination, alleging in an audio message released on Tuesday that the cleric was an infidel.
The group reportedly claimed that the attack occurred around 8:30 pm but failed to provide verifiable evidence linking its members to the killing.
Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist organisation that broke away from Boko Haram in 2012, has been associated with extremist activities in parts of north-western Nigeria.
However, the Katsina State Police Command said it had not established the authenticity of the group’s claim.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, said on Tuesday that investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“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 stated.
The police had earlier confirmed the killing of Masussuka and Abubakar in a statement issued late Monday.
According to the command, two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on the victims outside the cleric’s residence at approximately 7:30 pm.
The Divisional Police Officer in Dutsin-Ma subsequently led operatives to the scene, where the victims were evacuated to a nearby hospital.
Both men were pronounced dead by the attending medical doctor.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, had ordered the deployment of tactical and operational teams to the area to track down the fleeing suspects.
He added that investigations had commenced to establish the identities of the attackers and the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Reacting to the incident, President Tinubu condemned the assassination, describing it as a heinous crime and an assault on the sanctity of human life.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed sadness over the deaths and sympathised with the bereaved families.
“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.
Tinubu directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to strengthen ongoing investigations and ensure that those responsible were apprehended and prosecuted.
The President also prayed for the repose of the deceased and comfort for their grieving families.
Similarly, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, condemned the killing, describing Masussuka as a religious leader committed to peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the governor expressed shock over the attack and extended condolences to the cleric’s family and the Islamic community.
Radda called for a comprehensive investigation into the assassination and urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible faced justice.
“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,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information that could assist investigations.
He also cautioned against actions capable of escalating tensions or undermining peace in the state.
Masussuka, popularly known as the “Peace Ambassador,” was recognised for religious teachings emphasising the Qur’an, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
However, his preaching had previously generated controversy following complaints submitted to the Katsina State Government concerning his interpretation of Islamic principles.
The cleric had also complained of insults and threats allegedly directed at him by members of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidia Wa’ikhamatus Sunna.
The disagreement was subsequently referred to the Katsina Emirate Council, while Governor Radda directed the cleric to appear before a committee of Islamic scholars to respond to allegations concerning his sermons.
Authorities have not established whether the earlier religious disputes were connected to Monday’s assassination.
The killing has renewed concerns over insecurity in Dutsin-Ma and other parts of Katsina State, where armed attacks, kidnappings and killings have continued to threaten residents.
