Tinubu orders intensified probe into Katsina cleric’s killing amid Ansaru claim

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify investigations into the killing of Islamic preacher Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The directive comes as the terrorist group Ansaru claims responsibility for the Monday evening attack, in which gunmen shot the two men outside the cleric’s residence.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president condemned the killings and directed the police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.

Mr Tinubu described the attack as heinous and an assault on peace and the sanctity of human life.

He also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, their followers and the people of Katsina State.

Earlier on Tuesday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Ansaru, formally known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, had claimed responsibility for the killing in a four-minute video obtained by the newspaper.

The group cited the cleric’s religious positions and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths as reasons for targeting him.

The claim has not been independently established as proof that Ansaru carried out the attack, and the police have yet to publicly confirm the group’s involvement.

The Katsina State Police Command had earlier said the shooting occurred at about 7.30 p.m. on Monday, when two gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire on the victims.

The police said tactical teams had been deployed to track down the attackers.