Sheikh Masussuka’s death sparks confusion in Katsina

Followers of Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim Masussuka, a controversial Islamic cleric in Katsina known for rejecting the Hadith alongside the Qur’an as a source of religious authority, have been left seeking answers following his killing by unidentified gunmen.

Masussuka and his associate, Adamu Abubakar, were reportedly shot dead by two gunmen riding a motorcycle outside the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area on Monday night, October 26, 2026.

The Katsina State Police Command, which confirmed the incident, said it had launched a manhunt for the suspected killers.

ALSO READ: Yobe North: Court reserves judgment in suit seeking to disqualify Ahmad Lawan

In a statement issued to journalists, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, said the attack occurred at about 7.30pm when two armed men on a motorcycle reportedly opened fire on the victims, inflicting fatal injuries.

According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsin-Ma mobilised a team of operatives to the scene after receiving a distress call.

The victims were evacuated to the nearest hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed them dead.

Fage ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and operational teams to intensify the search for the fleeing suspects.

The command said investigations were ongoing, adding that efforts had been stepped up to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killing.

Meanwhile, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, has ordered a thorough investigation into the killings, describing the incident as shocking and heartbreaking.

The governor expressed sorrow over the death of Masussuka, whom he described as an advocate of peace, religious tolerance and interfaith harmony.

He also extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the Islamic community and others affected by the loss.

“I urge the bereaved family to take solace in the will of Almighty Allah and remain steadfast in faith during this difficult period. May Allah grant them the strength and patience to bear this painful loss,” Radda said.

The governor assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the killing would be thoroughly investigated and that those responsible would be brought to justice.

“Those behind this heinous act must be brought to justice. I urge the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” he stated.

Radda also appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist the investigation. He cautioned against actions capable of escalating tensions or disrupting public peace.

A Tribune correspondent in Katsina reports that Masussuka was widely regarded as controversial because of his religious views, which centred on accepting the Qur’an while rejecting the Hadith as an authoritative source of Islamic teachings.

His position differed from the beliefs of other Islamic groups, some of which had reportedly questioned the religious standing of the cleric and his followers.

The disagreement had previously drawn government intervention. Last year, the Katsina State Government reportedly intervened in a dispute between Masussuka and members of the Sunni sect, who had issued an ultimatum demanding that he stop preaching views they considered contrary to Islamic teachings.

The motive for the killing remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, while the police continued their investigation.