# Assassination of Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka in Nigeria

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/assassination-of-sheikh-yahaya-masussuka-in-nigeria
> Updated: 2026-10-27T16:48:19.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2.

On October 26, 2026, prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and his companion, Adamu Abubakar, were shot dead by gunmen in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. The attack occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. near the entrance to the cleric’s residence, where two armed assailants on a motorcycle opened fire before fleeing. Both victims were rushed to a local hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival.

The militant group Ansaru reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing via an audio message, accusing Masussuka of being an infidel due to his advocacy for peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue. Masussuka, 47, was known for his unconventional religious teachings and was a recipient of a peace award in 2025.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda both condemned the killing as a ‘heinous’ act. Amnesty International described the incident as a ‘brutal killing,’ noting that the cleric had received threats prior to the attack. The Katsina State Police Command, led by Commissioner Ali Umar Fage, has launched an investigation and deployed tactical teams to track down the perpetrators.

## Claims

- Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and Adamu Abubakar were shot dead in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. (reported by 19 sources)
- The attack occurred on Monday, October 26, 2026. (reported by 14 sources)
- The attack was carried out by two armed men riding a motorcycle. (reported by 13 sources)
- Governor Dikko Umaru Radda ordered a thorough investigation into the killing. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Ansaru militant group claimed responsibility for the killing in an audio message. (reported by 2 sources)
- President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to track down and apprehend the perpetrators. (reported by 2 sources)
- Masussuka was a recipient of a peace prize from Nigeria’s Network for Good Governance and Transparency. (reported by 2 sources)
- Amnesty International called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing. (reported by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Muslim religious leader Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka assassinated in Nigeria

Islamic cleric Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and an associate were assassinated by gunmen in Katsina State, Nigeria. Masussuka was a prominent advocate for interfaith dialogue and religious coexistence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/muslim-religious-leader-yahaya-ibrahim-masussuka-assassinated-in-nigeria

### 2026-10-27: Katsina State: Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka shot dead

Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his associate were killed by gunmen on a motorcycle in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. The militant group Ansaru has reportedly claimed responsibility.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/islamic-scholar-sheikh-yahaya-masussuka-killed-in-katsina

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Cite as: Assassination of Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka in Nigeria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/assassination-of-sheikh-yahaya-masussuka-in-nigeria