Residents of Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area in Katsina State have been left mourning following the killing of a well-known Islamic cleric and his associate by suspected gunmen.
The victims were identified as Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and Adamu Abubakar. According to the Katsina State Police Command, the attack happened at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, in front of the cleric’s residence.
Police reports said two armed men riding on a motorcycle arrived at the scene and opened fire on the victims, leaving both with fatal injuries.
After receiving information about the incident, the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsin-Ma reportedly led officers to the area. The victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, but a doctor later confirmed that they had died.
Following the attack, the state Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, ordered the deployment of special security teams to track down the suspects and bring them to justice.
The police said an investigation had begun, but the identities of the attackers and their reasons for carrying out the shooting had not been established. No arrests had been announced in the initial reports.
The killing has also drawn attention from Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, who expressed sadness over the incident and described the late cleric as someone who promoted peaceful coexistence and understanding among people of different faiths.
The governor called on security agencies to investigate the killing thoroughly and urged residents to remain calm and provide useful information.
Authorities have appealed to anyone with information about the attack to assist the investigation as efforts continue to find those responsible.