An Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, and his associate, Adamu Abubakar, have been shot dead by two suspected gunmen who attacked them in front of the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.

The attackers, reportedly riding on a motorcycle, opened fire on the two men at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26, before fleeing the scene.

The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the killings in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, on Monday.

According to the statement, police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer in Dutsin-Ma rushed to the scene after receiving information about the attack and took the victims to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

In response, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, ordered the deployment of tactical and operational teams to the area to investigate the killings and track down the fleeing suspects.

The police command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible, assuring residents that the perpetrators would be pursued and brought to justice.

Fage also expressed condolences to the families, friends and followers of the deceased, as well as residents of Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.

The command said further information would be made available as the investigation progresses