The Ansaru terrorist organization has reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of Islamic preacher Sheikh Yahaya Masusuka in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State.
Security analyst Bulama Bukarti disclosed this in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
He said the terror group claimed responsibility in an audio message circulated after the cleric was killed.
Masusuka was shot dead by gunmen at his residence in Dutsin-Ma on Monday night.
The criminal elements reportedly opened fire on the cleric and two of his associates, who were known for promoting peace, at about 8:30pm before fleeing on motorcycles.
The killing has sparked widespread condolences and renewed discussions about the preacher’s religious views and efforts to promote unity among different Islamic sects.
According to Mr Bukarti, Ansaru accused Mr Masusuka of opposing Islam but did not specify the alleged offence that prompted the attack.
“Ansaru accused Sheikh Yahaya Masusuka of opposing Islam but didn’t mention the specific offence he allegedly committed,” he said.
Mr Bukarti suggested that the attack might be connected to the cleric’s advocacy for unity among different Islamic sects and his peaceful disposition.
He also said the killing was particularly concerning given an upcoming event the cleric had been planning to promote peace and religious unity.
The analyst argued that the attack was consistent with the group’s opposition to peaceful coexistence among different religious sects.
Ansaru, which is affiliated with the al-Qaeda terrorist network, broke away from Boko Haram in 2012 following ideological differences with the group’s then leader, Abubakar Shekau.
The group has since been linked to attacks and other violent activities in parts of northern Nigeria, including Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger states.
