President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the killing of prominent Islamic preacher, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, by suspected gunmen in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
His condemnation comes amid quiet fears among Katsina residents and disquiet that that Masussuka’s killing could lead to retaliatory attacks from his own supporters though he was known for preaching peace.
The President also directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
The victims were reportedly shot dead at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, in front of the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma when two armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire on them.
According to the Katsina State Police Command, both men sustained fatal gunshot injuries and were rushed to the nearest hospital, where a medical doctor pronounced them dead.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was deeply saddened by the killings, describing the incident as heinous and an assault on the values of peace and the sanctity of human life.
The statement read in part: “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 President also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for their families, followers and all those mourning their deaths.
Police Deploy Tactical Teams
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
The command said the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsin-Ma promptly led a team of police operatives to the scene after receiving information about the attack.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Ali Umar Fage, subsequently ordered the deployment of tactical and operational teams to the area to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The police said an investigation had commenced and that efforts were being intensified to apprehend those responsible for the killings.
The command also expressed condolences to the families, friends and followers of the deceased, as well as residents of Dutsin-Ma, assuring the public that it would continue working to bring the perpetrators to justice.
As of Tuesday, October 27, no arrests had been publicly announced in connection with the attack.
Killing Raises Fresh Security Concerns
The killing has drawn attention to persistent security challenges in Katsina State and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups have been linked to attacks on communities, kidnappings for ransom and cattle rustling.
Repeated attacks in parts of the region have disrupted farming and other economic activities, while forcing some residents to flee their communities.
However, the police and the Presidency have not publicly established a motive for the killing of Masussuka and Abubakar. It also remains unclear whether the attack was specifically targeted at the Islamic scholar or whether the victims had received prior threats.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, identify the suspects and determine their motive.
The killings have left the victims’ families, followers and members of the Dutsin-Ma community mourning, as they await further developments from the
Masussuka Known for Preaching Peace, Interfaith Coexistence
Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka was widely known for his Quran-centred teachings and advocacy for peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and opposition to hate speech.
In June 2025, the cleric reportedly urged fellow Islamic scholars to promote unity between Muslims and Christians and challenge extremist ideologies. He was also honoured with a Peace Ambassador award in recognition of his peacebuilding efforts.
However, Masussuka’s religious views were controversial among some Islamic scholars, particularly his position on certain Hadith traditions. Reports also indicated that he had complained to authorities about alleged insults and threats linked to disagreements over his teachings.
His advocacy for peaceful coexistence has added another dimension to the circumstances surrounding his killing. However, authorities have yet to establish whether the attack was connected to his religious views or earlier disputes.
His death has renewed questions about the safety of religious leaders who advocate tolerance and the need to confront hate speech and religious intolerance without allowing theological disagreements to degenerate into intimidation or violence.