Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has issued a stern condemnation following the brutal assassination of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, describing the late religious leader as a steadfast proponent of peaceful coexistence, moderation, and interfaith harmony. ​The tragic attack occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, directly in front of Sheikh Masussuka’s residence in the Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Reports indicate that two unidentified gunmen riding on a motorcycle ambushed the cleric as he prepared to leave his house for his routine evening preaching. The assailants opened fire, fatally wounding Sheikh Masussuka alongside an associate, Malam Adamu Abubakar, before fleeing the scene. ​Confirming the incident, Katsina State Police Command spokesperson DSP Abubakar Aliyu stated that officers led by the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsin-Ma swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving reports of the shooting.
Both victims sustained severe gunshot wounds and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel pronounced them dead on arrival. In response, Katsina State Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and operational teams across Dutsin-Ma and neighboring areas to track down the fleeing suspects. ​Reacting to the killing in an official statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda expressed profound grief and assured the public that the government will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
He urged security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law. ​Describing the late cleric as a distinguished leader whose Qur’an-based teachings consistently advocated for mutual understanding while rejecting violent extremism and radicalisation, Governor Radda offered prayers for Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort the bereaved families and the wider Muslim community.
The governor also appealed to the residents of Dutsin-Ma and Katsina State to remain calm, avoid taking any actions capable of disrupting public peace, and actively cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information to assist the ongoing manhunt.
