The terrorist group Ansaru has claimed responsibility for the killing of Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka at his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The group, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated faction, reportedly made the claim in an audio message released on Tuesday, accusing the cleric of being an infidel without providing publicly verified evidence to support the allegation.
In the audio message, the group reportedly said the attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m.
However, while the speaker referred to Tuesday as the day of the incident, other accounts indicated that the cleric was killed on Monday.
Ansaru also accused Masussuka of opposing what it described as Islamic teachings, although the group did not specify any particular offence allegedly committed by the cleric.
The killing has raised concerns over the safety of religious leaders and individuals involved in promoting peace and interfaith dialogue in northern Nigeria.
A legal expert who has followed extremist groups in the region, Audu Bulama Bukarti, reportedly said Masussuka had been planning to organise a major peace conference.
The development has raised questions about whether the cleric's peacebuilding activities may have played a role in the attack. However, the motive for his killing has not been independently established.
Ansaru emerged in 2012 after breaking away from Boko Haram over disagreements with the group's leadership under Abubakar Shekau. It has been associated with extremist activities in parts of north-western Nigeria.
The group's claim of responsibility adds to concerns over security challenges in the region, where attacks by armed groups have continued to threaten communities and public safety.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the killing, establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
Ansaru claims responsibility for killing Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka