KEY POINTS

• Gunmen killed Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his associate in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.

• Police confirmed the deaths, but no arrests or motive had been announced.

• The cleric had previously faced scrutiny over his religious teachings, with no known link to the killing.

Suspected bandits have killed prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his associate in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 9 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the entrance to the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma town, according to Daily Trust.

The assailants reportedly opened fire on the two men, who were subsequently rushed to Dutsin-Ma Hospital for emergency treatment. Both victims were later confirmed dead.

The killing of the cleric has plunged the community into mourning, particularly among the cleric’s followers and residents who knew him.

The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the death of the Islamic cleric. However, authorities had yet to disclose the identities of the attackers or establish their motive as of the time of reporting.

Police had also not announced any arrests or provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The incident adds to security concerns in Katsina State, where armed groups have carried out attacks on communities and residents.

Cleric Had Planned Religious Gathering

Sheikh Masussuka was reportedly preparing to organise a religious gathering in Katsina State later in the week before his death.

The killing of the cleric has raised questions about whether the planned event had any connection to the attack, although no evidence establishing such a link was provided in the report.

The circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, and investigators are expected to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

The late cleric had previously been involved in controversy over his religious teachings.

On November 18, 2025, the Katsina State Government announced that Masussuka would be required to defend his teachings before a committee of Islamic scholars.

However, there was no indication that the earlier controversy was connected to Monday night’s killing.

The motive for the attack remains unknown, and any connection between the cleric’s past controversies and his death would require evidence from the ongoing investigation.