African Centre Calls for Thorough Investigation into Killing of Sheikh Masussuka in Katsina Centre urges security agencies to ensure Justice. By Raymond Enoch

The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development has called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the reported killing of Islamic preacher, Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, and his associate in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.

The Centre, in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Executive Director, Theresa Chigozirim Odinkalu-Okoro, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, expressed deep concern over the incident, which reportedly occurred on October 26, describing the killing of a religious leader as a grave matter requiring an urgent, professional and evidence-based response from relevant authorities.

It extended condolences to the families of the deceased, their community and the people of Katsina State, while condemning all acts of unlawful violence and emphasising that every individual has the right to life, security and protection under the law.

According to the Centre, beyond the tragic loss of lives, such incidents could heighten public fear, undermine confidence in security institutions and threaten peaceful coexistence if not addressed transparently and responsibly.

It recalled the violent deaths of prominent Islamic scholars in Nigeria, including Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam in Kano in April 2007, Sheikh Umar Hamza Dan-Maishiyya in Sokoto in July 2007, and Sheikh Muhammad Auwal Albani Zaria in Kaduna State in February 2014.

While acknowledging that the incidents occurred under different circumstances, the Centre said they underscored the need to protect religious leaders, ensure accountability for violent crimes and prevent attacks capable of destabilising communities.

It stressed that the circumstances surrounding Masussuka’s killing, including the identities and motives of those responsible, must be established through a credible investigation.

The Centre cautioned against making assumptions about the perpetrators or attributing political, religious or other motives to the incident before the evidence is established.

With Nigeria approaching the 2027 general election cycle, it urged security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures, improve professional intelligence gathering and deepen community engagement to identify emerging threats and protect citizens.

Specifically, the Centre called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Katsina State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into the killing.

It said the investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify and apprehend the perpetrators, determine their motives based on credible evidence and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Centre also urged the authorities to provide timely public updates, provided such disclosures do not compromise the integrity of the investigation or the safety of those involved.

On the protection of religious and community leaders, it called for a review of existing security arrangements for individuals who may face credible threats, emphasising the importance of preventive policing, timely threat assessments, effective information sharing and stronger collaboration with community stakeholders.

It maintained that such measures must be intelligence-led, proportionate and consistent with human rights standards.

The Centre further appealed to religious leaders, community members, civil society organisations, political actors and the general public to remain calm and exercise restraint, warning against the spread of unverified information, premature accusations and retaliatory actions that could escalate tensions and result in further loss of lives.

It encouraged anyone with credible information relevant to the investigation to report it through appropriate channels to the relevant authorities.

The organisation also called for stronger community-based early-warning and conflict-prevention mechanisms involving security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations and community-based groups.

According to the Centre, building trust between security agencies and local communities remains essential to preventing violence, improving public cooperation and sustaining peace.

It emphasised that accountability must be pursued through lawful and transparent processes, with investigations and any subsequent prosecutions respecting due process and the rights of all parties.

The Centre warned against collective blame directed at any religious, ethnic or social group, stressing that accountability for violent crimes is essential to strengthening public confidence in the justice system and deterring future attacks.

Reaffirming its position, the African Centre for Security, Governance and Development called on the relevant authorities to treat the killing with the seriousness it deserves and take concrete steps to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

It also urged political, religious and community leaders to promote dialogue, responsible communication and peaceful coexistence, particularly as the country approaches another electoral cycle.