Terrorist Group Ansaru Claims Responsibility For Killing Islamic Scholar Yahaya Masussuka In Katsina, Accuses Him Of Heresy

The terrorist group Jama’atu Ansaril Muslimina fi Biladish Sudan has claimed responsibility for the killing of prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, who was shot dead by gunmen in front of his residence in Katsina State.

Masussuka, alongside his friend Adamu Abubakar, was reportedly shot dead on Monday night by armed men in front of his residence in Katsina State.

In an audio recording posted online by conflict reporter and counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, on Tuesday, a man speaking in Hausa and claiming to represent the terrorist group announced its responsibility for the attack.

While reports indicate that Masussuka was killed on Monday night, the speaker in the audio recording said the operation took place on Tuesday, referring to the day as ‘Talata’ in Hausa.

“We are the ones who killed him, and we are not afraid of anyone. We did it to protect the Islamic religion and the Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad. We are calling on all Muslims to be careful and to follow the true path of Islam. We will continue to fight against anyone who tries to corrupt the religion.”

The speaker, who claimed to be speaking on behalf of Jama’atu Ansaril Muslimina fi Biladish Sudan, said the group was pleased to inform the Muslim community, particularly those devoted to Islam, about the killing.

The killing has raised concerns over the safety of Islamic scholars and residents in Katsina State, where armed groups have continued to pose security challenges in parts of the region.

Ansaru is a militant group associated with extremist violence in Nigeria.