Suspected bandits shot dead prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and one of his associates outside his residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The gunmen opened fire on the two men at close range at around 9 pm at the entrance to the cleric's home in Dutsin-Ma town. Both victims were rushed to Dutsin-Ma Hospital for emergency treatment but were later confirmed dead.
Police Confirm Deaths
The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of the Islamic scholar and his companion, as reported by Daily Trust. As of press time, the police had not announced any arrests or disclosed a motive for the attack.
News of the killing spread quickly through the community, with residents and followers of the cleric expressing grief over the loss. Sheikh Masussuka had been a familiar figure in the area, and the circumstances of his death left many shaken.
Cleric's Background and Previous Controversy
According to Premium Times, Masussuka was an Islamic preacher originally from Bauchi State but based in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. The late cleric advocated peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. In June 2025, the Network for Good Governance and Transparency honoured him with a Peace Ambassador award at an event in Katsina.
It was also learnt that the cleric had planned to host a religious gathering in Katsina State later in the week, a programme that will now not take place. Sheikh Masussuka had previously attracted attention over some of his religious teachings. In November 2025, the Katsina State Government announced that he would be required to appear before a committee of Islamic scholars to defend those teachings. However, there was no confirmed link between that earlier controversy and Monday night's attack as of press time.
Investigation Ongoing
The motive behind the killing and the identities of the attackers remained unknown at the time of filing this report. The police had not announced any arrests or provided further details on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
In a related incident, Legit.ng earlier reported that Chief Imam Liman Audu and at least three others were murdered by deadly bandits in Sokoto State. Additionally, Islamic cleric Alfa Iliasu was hacked to death during Quranic lessons in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria, with a mob reportedly lynching a suspect amid unrest following the murder. Local leaders confirmed ongoing investigations into the circumstances of the tragic incident in Kwara State.
