President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the murder of prominent Islamic preacher Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and directed security agencies to find and prosecute those responsible.
Masussuka and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, were killed by gunmen in a drive-by shooting in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, on Monday evening.
In a statement on Tuesday, the President described the killing as heinous and an assault on the values of peace and the sanctity of human life. He was reported to be deeply saddened by the news.
Mr Tinubu directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to move swiftly and intensify the efforts already underway by the Katsina State Police Command. He said the perpetrators must be tracked down, apprehended and brought to justice.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, their followers, and the government and people of Katsina State. He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and for comfort for those who mourn them.
In a similar vein, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed shock over the killing of an Islamic cleric, Yahaya Masussuka, describing him as a voice for peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.
The governor directed security agencies to intensify investigations, identify the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
He also appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist the investigation, warning against actions capable of escalating tensions.
Masussuka was assassinated alongside an associate by unidentified gunmen on motorcycles outside his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area on Monday night.
In a statement, Governor Radda condoles with the deceased’s family, the Islamic community and others affected by the loss, describing the late cleric as a promoter of Qur’an-centred teachings, peaceful coexistence and interfaith understanding, who opposed violent extremism and radicalisation.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family and the entire Muslim community.
