The Impactive Centre for Accountability, Democracy and Rights (ICADAR) has expressed grief over the killing of an Islamic leader, Sheikh Masussuka, and called on security authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
This is contained in a statement by the organisation’s Executive Director, Bello Ishaq, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Masussuka was assassinated by gunmen on Monday in Dutsinma Local Government Area, Katsina State.
Ishaq described Masussuka as a tireless advocate for peace, interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, whose death under violent circumstances had shocked the community.
Ishaq highlighted his lifelong dedication to bridging religious and communal divides, noting that his work consistently promoted understanding and compassion over hostility and suspicion.
“Sheikh Masussuka devoted his life to bringing people together across religious and community lines.
“Through his words and service, he promoted understanding over suspicion, dialogue over division and peaceful coexistence over hostility.
“His work reflected his belief that people of different faiths and backgrounds can live together in harmony, with mutual respect and a shared commitment to the common good,” Ishaq said.
Ishaq described the religious leader’s death as a devastating blow to peace-building efforts and community harmony, stressing that no grievance or difference could justify the taking of a human life.
He said the loss extended beyond the deceased’s immediate family and congregation to regional advocates of human rights and democracy, who regarded his moderate stance as a stabilising force during periods of social tension.
“His killing is a devastating loss not only to his family, congregation and community, but also to everyone who values peace and the work of building bridges between people.
“No disagreement, grievance or difference can justify the taking of a human life. Such violence causes profound pain and risks deepening fear and division at a time when communities need reassurance and security.”
The executive director called on relevant law enforcement authorities to launch a prompt and thorough investigation into the incident.
ICADAR stressed that accountability through due process was essential not only to securing justice for the bereaved family but also to maintaining public confidence in the rule of law.
“We call on the relevant authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his killing.
“This is essential not only to pursue justice for Sheikh Masussuka and his family but also to uphold public confidence and help prevent further violence,” Ishaq said.
ICADAR extended its condolences to the family, loved ones, colleagues and congregation of the late religious leader, assuring them of its solidarity during the difficult period.
“ICADAR extends its heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Masussuka’s family, loved ones, colleagues and all who mourn his loss.
“We stand with them during this difficult time and honour his legacy by reaffirming the principles he championed: peace, tolerance, mutual respect and interfaith understanding,” he said.
The organisation also urged community stakeholders to honour Masussuka’s legacy by promoting tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence.
“Sheikh Masussuka’s life demonstrated the power of dialogue and the possibility of peaceful coexistence.
“Though his life has been taken, the values he championed must not be silenced.
“ICADAR calls on all communities to carry forward his legacy by choosing tolerance over division and peace over violence,” Ishaq said.
Masussuka’s assassination and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, by suspected gunmen,
was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Katsina Command, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He explained that the incident occurred about 7:30 p.m., in front of the scholar’s residence in Dutsinma when two armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire on the victims.
According to him, both victims sustained fatal gunshot injuries and were rushed to the nearest hospital, where a medical doctor pronounced them dead.
The PPRO added that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Dutsinma promptly led a team of police operatives to the scene after receiving the report.
“Investigation has commenced and efforts are being intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said.
He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ali Umar-Fage, as directing the deployment of tactical and operational teams to the area to track down the fleeing suspects.
The commissioner expressed condolences to the families, friends and followers of the deceased, as well as the people of Dutsinma, over the tragic incident.
He assured the public that the command would sustain efforts until those responsible for the killings were arrested.
“Further developments will be communicated to the public in due course,” he assured.
