Ansaru Claims Responsibility For Killing Massussuka

The Ansaru group, which is linked to Al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the killing of Malam Yahaya Masussuka, accusing him of being an infidel.

The group confirmed its responsibility for the killing in an audio message released today. In the message, Ansaru said it carried out the attack at around 8:30 p.m.

In written Hausa text by Audu Bulama Bukati on Facebook,, explained that the  speaker in the recording stated that the attack occurred on Tuesday, but this may have been an error, as the incident reportedly happened on Monday.

Ansaru accused Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka of opposing Islam but did not specify any particular offence he had committed.

However, the message suggested that his position in support of dialogue among followers of different religions and peaceful coexistence may have been among the reasons for the attack.

Ansaru broke away from Boko Haram in 2012 following disagreements with the group’s leadership under Abubakar Shekau. Since then, the group has operated mainly in northwestern Nigeria, including Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger states.

It is not surprising that Ansaru has been linked to this attack, given that Malam Masussuka was preparing to organise a major peace conference.

This may have been one of the reasons he became a target, considering the group’s opposition to peace and coexistence among followers of different religions.

As gathered, the clinic would be buried on Friday and prayer would be said at Emir of Katsina palace before the funeral.