WorldStage– The Katsina State Police Command has launched a full-scale manhunt for suspected gunmen responsible for the assassination of prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, and his associate, Adamu Abubakar.
The targeted attack occurred on Monday evening, October 26, 2026, in the Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to an official statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the tragic incident transpired at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The victims were standing directly in front of the cleric’s residence when two unidentified armed men operating a motorcycle arrived and opened fire at close range, inflicting fatal gunshot wounds before speeding away from the scene.
Upon receiving emergency distress calls, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Dutsin-Ma immediately mobilised and led a tactical team of officers to the location.
Both Sheikh Masussuka and Abubakar were evacuated and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
However, they were tragically pronounced dead upon arrival by the attending medical doctor.
The late cleric, known for his distinct and sometimes controversial religious teachings, had reportedly received security threats concerning his preaching roughly a year prior to the attack, a matter that had drawn acknowledgment from the Katsina State Government.
Reacting to the killings, the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, strongly condemned the act and ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and operational teams to Dutsin-Ma to reinforce security and track the assailants.
“An intensive investigation has commenced, and efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects,” DSP Aliyu stated, assuring the public that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.
CP Fage extended his deepest condolences to the families, friends, and numerous followers of the deceased.
The police command has urged residents of Dutsin-Ma and surrounding communities to remain calm and vigilant, requesting anyone with actionable information regarding the identities or whereabouts of the motorcyclists to report directly to the nearest police formation.
