Ansaru takes credit for killing Katsina cleric, Sheikh Masusuka

Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, known as Ansaru, has said it is responsible for the murder of Katsina-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Masusuka. This information comes from PREMIUM TIMES.

The cleric was shot dead along with another man, named Adamu Abubakar, outside his home on Monday evening.

The Katsina State Police Command reported that two armed men on a motorcycle attacked the two at around 7:30 p.m. before escaping from the scene.

The victims were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead, according to the police.

The police said they have started an investigation and have sent tactical teams to find the attackers.

Mr Masusuka was known for his teachings based on the Quran and for promoting peaceful living among Nigerians of different faiths. He also spoke out against violent extremism and radicalization.

Amnesty International has condemned his killing and urged Nigerian authorities to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable. The organization also mentioned that the cleric had faced threats during his life.

Ansaru claims responsibility

In a four-minute video obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, the terror group claimed its fighters killed Mr Masusuka around 8:30 p.m. They cited his interfaith peace efforts as one of the reasons for his murder.

The group described the deceased as an arnai, meaning infidel, and said it was "happy" to announce his killing, which was executed by "soldiers among soldiers of Allah."

“Masusuka is an (arnai) infidel, not a Muslim,” the group stated. “He was hired to disrupt Islam and confuse Muslims.”

Ansaru mentioned that Mr Masusuka had been invited by clerics for a mukabala, or debate, but he turned it down.

The group also warned other “infidels” who “disrespect the Hadiths of the Prophet.”

“You should repent. You should stop, or we are coming for you,” it said.

Taiwo Adebayo, a researcher on conflict and security governance at the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) Africa, called this situation disturbing.

“This shows that these groups are not just a local threat. They can track and kill anyone who disagrees with their beliefs, even if those people are far from their bases,” he said.

PREMIUM TIMES learned that Ansaru now operates in Nigeria’s North-central region, after moving from the North-west years ago.

The group has faced several crackdowns from Nigerian authorities, including the recent arrests of its leaders, Abu Bara’a and Mallam Mamuda.

Though the group did not name those involved in the attack, it seems unlikely they would send fighters from their Nigeria-Benin border areas for this killing.

“It’s also possible that they hired local bandits for the assassination or for intelligence gathering leading to the Sheikh,” Mr Adebayo explained.

“In the early days of Boko Haram, they operated like this, ordering hits on clerics and political figures while hiding in the bush,” he added.