Suspected bandits have assassinated a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, alongside his associate, in the Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to reports, the gunmen ambushed and opened fire on the two men at close range around 9:00 pm on Monday, October 26, 2026, directly outside the cleric’s residence.

Although both victims were rushed to Dutsin-Ma Hospital for emergency medical attention, they were pronounced dead upon arrival.

Originally from Bauchi State and based in Katsina, Sheikh Masussuka was a familiar figure in the region. He was known for advocating peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians—efforts that earned him a Peace Ambassador award from the Network for Good Governance and Transparency in June 2025.

The late cleric had been scheduled to host a major religious gathering later in the week.

In late 2025, Masussuka had drawn attention from the Katsina State government, which required him to appear before a committee of Islamic scholars to address some of his religious teachings.

However, police authorities have stated that there is currently no confirmed link between that prior controversy and Monday night's fatal attack.

The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the tragic incident, but as of press time, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the killings remains unknown.

Investigations are ongoing as the local community reels from the shock of the assassination.

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