The reported claim of responsibility by Ansaru for the killing of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka has added a new dimension to the investigation into the deadly attack in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, where the preacher and his associate, Adamu Abubakar, were shot dead.

The Katsina State Police Command said the attack occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, when two armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire on the victims outside the cleric’s residence. Both men were rushed to a hospital but were pronounced dead.

The police have deployed tactical and operational teams to the area and commenced investigations to identify and arrest the attackers. The command said efforts were being intensified to bring those responsible to justice.

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Reports of the alleged Ansaru claim have circulated, but the group’s responsibility has not been independently established. The police have not publicly confirmed the claim, while the identities of the attackers and their motive remain unclear.

Masussuka was known for his Qur’an-centred teachings, which attracted both support and criticism among religious audiences. In 2025, the Katsina State Government reportedly intervened following complaints and threats linked to disputes over his teachings. However, no established evidence has connected those earlier disagreements to the killing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the killings and directed the police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to track down, arrest and prosecute those responsible. Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, and the reported claim of responsibility should not be treated as confirmation of who carried out the attack until it is verified by investigators.