The
terrorist group Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, popularly known as
Ansaru, has claimed responsibility for the killing of popular Katsina Islamic
cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, accusing him of being an infidel.
The cleric
and another man, identified as Adamu Abubakar, were shot dead by armed men
outside his residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, on Monday night. The Katsina
State Police Command said two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on the pair
at about 7:30 p.m. before fleeing. The victims were rushed to a nearby
hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Masussuka
was known for his Quran-centred teachings and his advocacy for peaceful
coexistence among Nigerians of all faiths. He had also spoken out against
violent extremism and radicalisation.
In a
four-minute video translated by Premium Times, the group said its fighters
killed the cleric at around 8:30 p.m., citing, among other reasons, his
promotion of interfaith peaceful coexistence. It described him as an
"arnai" (infidel), said it was "happy" to announce the
killing, and said it was carried out by "soldiers among soldiers of
Allah."
"Masusuka
is an (arnai) infidel, not a Muslim," the group said. "He was
contracted to disrupt Islam and confuse Muslims." It claimed he had been
invited by clerics to a mukabala (debate) but declined.
The group
also warned "other infidels" who "belittle the Hadiths of the
Prophet." "You should repent. You should stop, or else we are coming
for you," it said.
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