Tinubu Orders Intensified Probe Into Killing of Cleric, Associate

• President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to track down those responsible for killing Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and Adamu Abubakar in Katsina State, as police deploy tactical teams to pursue the attackers.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify investigations into the killing of Islamic preacher Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and his associate, Adamu Abubakar, in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.

VerseNews reports that the two men were killed on Monday evening, October 26, 2026, in an attack the Presidency described as a drive-by shooting.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the killings and instructed security agencies to locate the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

President condemns attack

Tinubu described the killings as a grave assault on peace and the sanctity of human life.

He directed security agencies to strengthen the investigation already underway by the Katsina State Police Command and move swiftly to apprehend those responsible.

The President also extended condolences to the victims’ families, their followers, and the government and people of Katsina State. He prayed for the deceased and for comfort for those mourning them, according to the

Police deploy teams to pursue attackers

According to the Katsina State Police Command, the shooting occurred at about 7:30 p.m. outside the cleric’s residence.

Police said two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on Masussuka and Abubakar before fleeing.

After receiving a distress report, the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsin-Ma mobilised officers to the scene. Both victims were taken to a nearby hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed their deaths.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, subsequently ordered tactical and operational teams to intensify the search for the suspects.

The command said investigations were underway to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible. It also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and residents of Dutsin-Ma.

Reported claim of responsibility remains unconfirmed

A claim of responsibility attributed to Ansaru has emerged following the killings. However, the claim has not been independently established as proof of the group’s involvement, and police have not publicly confirmed that it carried out the attack.

The presidential statement did not identify the perpetrators or establish a motive. The reported claim therefore remains separate from the findings of the official investigation.

Police seek public assistance

The Katsina State Police Command has appealed to anyone with useful information to assist investigators.

Police said further updates would be released as the investigation progresses. The statements reviewed did not announce any arrests.

The presidential directive places renewed attention on the ongoing search for the attackers and the effort to establish the circumstances surrounding both deaths.