Suspected gunmen have killed prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and his associate, Adamu Abubakar, in an attack outside the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attack occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26, when two armed men reportedly riding a motorcycle opened fire on the victims at the entrance to the cleric’s residence.

Both men sustained fatal gunshot injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead, according to reports quoting the Katsina State Police Command.

The police said the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsin-Ma led operatives to the scene after receiving information about the incident. The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, subsequently ordered the deployment of tactical and operational teams to track down the attackers.

An investigation has commenced, but the identities of the assailants and their motive have not been established publicly. The police said efforts were underway to apprehend those responsible.

Masussuka’s death has prompted mourning among his followers and members of the wider community. Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation into the killing.

The cleric had been preparing for a peace and unity gathering reportedly scheduled for October 31, 2026, according to local media reports.

Masussuka had previously attracted controversy over his religious teachings. In November 2025, the Katsina State Government announced that he would be required to defend his teachings before a committee of Islamic scholars. However, no publicly established evidence links that earlier dispute to his killing.

The investigation is continuing, with authorities yet to publicly identify a suspect or establish the motive for the attack.