Author: Gist Correspondent

The Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group Ansaru has claimed responsibility for the killing of prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka at his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

In an audio message released Tuesday, the group accused the cleric of being an infidel and opposing what it called Islamic teachings, without specifying a particular offence or providing publicly established evidence.

The speaker said the attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m., referring to Tuesday as the day of the incident, though available accounts indicate the killing took place on Monday. The discrepancy has not been resolved.

Barrister Audu Bulama Bukarti, a legal expert who tracks extremist groups in the region, said Sheikh Masussuka had been planning a major peace conference, raising questions about whether his peacebuilding activities may have contributed to his being targeted. The motive has not been independently established, and the group's accusations remain claims rather than verified facts.

Ansaru emerged in 2012 after breaking from Boko Haram over disagreements with Abubakar Shekau's leadership and has been linked to extremist activities in parts of Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger states.

The killing has raised concerns about threats to religious leaders and peace advocates in northern Nigeria. Security agencies are expected to investigate the circumstances, identify the perpetrators and motives, and bring those responsible to justice. The incident has renewed calls for stronger protection of religious leaders, community figures and peace advocates, and for sustained efforts to counter extremist violence.