The family, associates and followers of slain Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka have recounted his final hours following his killing in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, as Amnesty International called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Masussuka was reportedly shot dead alongside his associate, Adamu Abubakar, outside his residence on Monday evening by unidentified gunmen.
The Katsina State Police Command said two armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire on the victims at about 7:30 p.m. before fleeing the scene.
Police authorities said tactical teams had been deployed and an investigation was ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Wife Recalls Cleric’s Final Moments
Recounting the events before his death, Masussuka’s widow, Hajiya Fatima, said the cleric spoke to her about the oneness of Allah before leaving home.
She said she later heard about four gunshots, after which news of the attack began to spread.
Associates and followers also recalled that the cleric had spoken about death, human unity and peaceful coexistence while attending a mourning gathering earlier.
His death has sparked grief among his followers, many of whom described him as a religious teacher whose teachings centred on the Qur’an.
Followers Urge Calm
Following the killing, some of his associates and religious figures appealed for calm among his followers.
His deputy, Muhammadu Sabi’u, alongside associates Bello Danwaire and teacher Yahaya Bani Adam, urged people not to resort to violence.
Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi also joined calls for calm as concerns grew over the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Masussuka’s religious teachings had generated controversy among some Islamic scholars, particularly over his position on the authority of Hadith and Sunnah.
Muhammad Yunusa, who criticised some aspects of the cleric’s doctrine, said there was no personal animosity between them.
Meanwhile, another associate, Isma’il Zakariyya, described Masussuka as a peaceful person and expressed doubt over claims linking Ansaru to the killing.
Reports have attributed responsibility for the attack to Ansaru, but the claim has been disputed by some of the cleric’s associates. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the perpetrators remain subject to investigation.
Amnesty International Demands Justice
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to conduct an effective and thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The organisation said Masussuka had promoted peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue, adding that he had reportedly faced threats and intimidation before his death.
It urged the authorities to establish the circumstances of the killing and take appropriate steps to protect people at risk of violence.
President Bola Tinubu also condemned the killing and directed police and other security agencies to investigate the incident and apprehend the perpetrators.
Funeral Arrangements
The remains of the cleric were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for a postmortem examination. No findings from the examination had been made public at the time of the report.
His funeral prayer was rescheduled for Friday at the Emir of Katsina’s palace in Kofar Soro.
Abubakar’s burial was also reported to be scheduled for Wednesday at the residence of an associate in Katsina.
Meanwhile, the Gathering of Qur’anic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative is expected to hold on Saturday, October 31, with prayers for peace, improved security and violence-free elections.
Abubakar had reportedly travelled from Nasarawa State to attend the gathering.
As grief continues among the cleric’s followers, attention remains focused on the police investigation and calls for accountability over the killings.
