President Bola Tinubu has directed the police and other security agencies to ensure the arrest of those behind the killing of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in Katsina State.
The victims were killed on Monday evening when gunmen reportedly opened fire on them in a drive-by attack in Dutsin-Ma.
Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident in a statement released on Tuesday, October 27, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The president described the attack as a brutal act that undermined the principles of peace and respect for human life.
“The President, who was deeply saddened by the news of the killing, described the act as heinous and an assault on the values of peace and sanctity of human life,” the statement partly read.
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He conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families, the late cleric’s followers and the Katsina State Government, as well as residents affected by the incident.
Tinubu also tasked security operatives with strengthening the ongoing investigation and bringing those responsible to justice.
“The President has directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to move swiftly, intensify efforts already underway by the Katsina State Police Command, and ensure the perpetrators are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice,” the statement added.
The president prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims’ souls and asked for comfort for their relatives, followers and others grieving their deaths.
The killings have added to concerns about insecurity in Katsina and other North-Western states, where armed groups have been linked to attacks on communities, abductions and deadly violence.
No further information was provided in the statement about how the shooting occurred, the identities of the attackers or whether any arrests had been made.