Ansaru, an armed group operating in Nigeria, has claimed responsibility for the killing of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka in Katsina State, accusing him of holding religious views the group opposed.
The group announced its claim in a video message on Tuesday, October 27, following the killing of Masussuka and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area on Monday.
In the video, Ansaru described the cleric as an “(arnai) infidel, not a Muslim” and alleged that he “was contracted to disrupt Islam and confuse Muslims.”
The group also claimed that Masussuka had been invited to participate in a mukabala, a religious debate, but declined the invitation.
Ansaru further criticised the cleric’s position on Hadith, the recorded sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, and issued a warning to people it accused of dismissing the traditions.
“You should repent. You should stop, or else we are coming for you,” the group said.
Masussuka was based in Dutsin-Ma, where he established Qur’an TV/Radio and Masussuka International School in April 2024. His activities included Islamic teaching and the promotion of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.
The Katsina State Police Command said two men on a motorcycle attacked Masussuka and Abubakar at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday. The victims were taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead.
The police said investigations had commenced to identify and arrest those responsible for the killings.
President Bola Tinubu has also condemned the deaths and directed security agencies to investigate the attack.
Ansaru’s claim has not been independently verified, and the police have not publicly confirmed the group’s involvement in the killings.