President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the gunmen who killed Islamic preacher Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.
The two men were reportedly shot dead in a drive-by attack by unidentified gunmen on Monday evening, prompting the President to condemn the incident and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Tinubu’s reaction was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President described the killings as an attack on the sanctity of human life and the values of peace, while expressing sadness over the deaths.
“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 said.
Tinubu directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to strengthen the ongoing efforts of the Katsina State Police Command to identify and arrest those behind the attack.
“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 also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, their followers and the government and people of Katsina State.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the victims and asked God to grant their families and others mourning their deaths the strength to bear the loss.
The killings occurred amid persistent security challenges in Katsina and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and killings in several communities.
However, the presidential statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of the shooting or indicate whether any suspects had been arrested as of Tuesday.
