President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify investigations into the killing of Islamic preacher Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The gunmen reportedly shot the two men outside the cleric’s residence on Monday evening.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the killings and directed the police and other security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible.
The president described the attack as “heinous” and an assault on peace and the sanctity of human life. He also condoled with the families of the deceased, their followers and the people of Katsina State.
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Meanwhile, the terrorist group Ansaru has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The group, formally known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, reportedly made the claim in a four-minute video released on Tuesday.
It cited Masussuka’s religious views and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths as reasons for targeting him.
However, the claim has not been independently verified, while the police have not publicly confirmed Ansaru’s involvement.
The Katsina State Police Command said the attack occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday when two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on the victims.
The command said tactical teams had been deployed to track down the attackers.
