Serious tension and deep sorrow have enveloped Dutsin Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State following the brutal murder of a prominent Islamic scholar and his close associate by gunmen who operated on a motorcycle.

The victims have been identified as a highly respected and widely loved Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka and his associate, Adamu Abubakar who were both killed in cold blood directly in front of the cleric residence in a shocking evening attack that has left the community in total shock.

According to reliable reports gathered from the area the unfortunate incident occurred at about 7.30pm on Monday October 26 when two armed men who were riding on a motorcycle suddenly appeared in the area and opened fire on the duo without any prior argument or provocation.

Eyewitnesses who were around the area at the time of the attack said the assailants shot the victims at very close range and inflicted severe and fatal gunshot wounds on them which led to their immediate death on the spot before the gunmen quickly escaped from the scene on their motorcycle.

The gruesome killing has thrown the entire community and the Muslim Ummah in Katsina State into serious mourning and confusion as the late cleric was described by residents followers and family members as a peaceful selfless and influential religious leader who dedicated his entire life to Islamic propagation peace building and community development.

Confirming the unfortunate development the Katsina State Police Command stated that it has already launched a full scale intensive and coordinated manhunt for the suspected gunmen with a firm resolve to apprehend them quickly and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.

The Police Command further assured all residents of its unwavering commitment to tackling criminal activities and protecting lives and property in every part of the state while calling on members of the public to volunteer credible useful and timely information that will aid the investigation and lead to the arrest of the culprits.

Meanwhile residents religious leaders and other stakeholders in Dutsin Ma have called on the government and all relevant security agencies to urgently intensify security surveillance and patrol in the area and across Katsina State to prevent the recurrence of such heinous barbaric and ungodly crime and to restore public confidence.