By ABBAS BAMALLI

The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the killing of prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, by suspected gunmen in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.

The command confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday in Katsina by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.

He explained that the incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m., in front of the scholar’s residence in Dutsin-Ma 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 Dutsin-Ma promptly led a team of police operatives to the scene after receiving the report.

“Investigations 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 Dutsin-Ma, 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. (NAN)