Ansaru Claims Responsibility for Killing Islamic Cleric Yahaya Masussuka in Katsina

The terrorist group Ansaru has claimed responsibility for the killing of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka at his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The group, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, reportedly announced its involvement in an audio message released on Tuesday. In the recording, it accused the cleric of being an infidel but did not provide publicly verified evidence to support the allegation.

According to the audio message, the attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. However, the timing of the incident remains unclear, as the speaker reportedly referred to Tuesday as the day of the attack, while other accounts indicated that Masussuka was killed on Monday.

Ansaru also accused the cleric of opposing what it described as Islamic teachings. However, the group did not identify any specific offence allegedly committed by Masussuka, and its claims have not been independently verified.

The killing has raised concerns about the safety of religious leaders and individuals involved in peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue in northern Nigeria.

Audu Bulama Bukarti, a legal expert who has followed extremist groups in the region, reportedly said Masussuka had been planning to organise a major peace conference. This has prompted questions about whether the cleric’s peacebuilding activities may have contributed to the attack, although the motive has not been independently established.

Ansaru emerged in 2012 after splitting from Boko Haram over disagreements with the group’s leadership under Abubakar Shekau. The faction has since been associated with extremist activities in parts of north-western Nigeria.

The group’s claim of responsibility adds to security concerns in the region, where attacks by armed groups continue to threaten communities and public safety. Investigations are needed to establish the circumstances surrounding Masussuka’s killing and identify those responsible.