Katsina: Islamic preacher Yahaya Masussuka, 47, was shot dead by gunmen outside his home in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, northern Nigeria, on Monday evening. A visitor who was with him was also shot, and both men were later pronounced dead at a hospital, according to police.

The BBC reported that two assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire on Masussuka as he was seeing off visitors. The attack has raised concerns over the safety of religious figures in a region that has witnessed recurring violence and religious tensions.

Police said the two injured men were rushed to hospital, where the attending doctor declared them dead. The motive for the shooting has not been officially confirmed.

Preacher had reportedly received death threats

Masussuka had reportedly received death threats online over videos in which he challenged certain established Islamic teachings. Among the beliefs he questioned was the teaching that two angels question the dead in their graves.

The belief is associated with the Hadith, a collection of reports concerning the words and actions of Prophet Muhammad. Masussuka reportedly relied primarily on the Quran and questioned the authority of some Hadith-based teachings.

His views had attracted controversy. He had previously spent nine months in jail after mocking religious scholars over the disputed teachings, according to reports.

In the months before his death, the Katsina State government had directed him to appear before a Committee of Ulamas to respond to allegations that his teachings violated established Islamic principles.

The government had also taken note of a counter-complaint filed by Masussuka. The preacher alleged that members of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a group had insulted him and threatened to attack him.

The dispute was referred to the Emir of Katsina, who met Masussuka and other scholars. The Emir reportedly urged all sides to avoid sermons that could provoke or offend other Muslims.

It remains unclear whether the earlier threats or religious disagreements were connected to Monday’s fatal shooting. Authorities have not publicly established a motive.

Began preaching at 13

Masussuka began preaching at the age of 13 while studying at Quranic schools. He later pursued religious studies at Al-Azhar University in Egypt before continuing his education in Oman.

He used a studio at his home to record sermons and teachings for distribution to followers on social media, allowing him to reach audiences beyond his immediate community.

Despite the controversy surrounding some of his interpretations, Masussuka also spoke against violent extremism and advocated peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.

Last year, the Network for Good Governance and Transparency honoured him with a Peace Ambassador Award in recognition of his peace-related work, according to the report.

He leaves behind two wives and seven children.

Religious figures targeted amid wider insecurity

Northern Nigeria has experienced years of violence involving extremist groups, armed gangs and communal conflicts. Thousands of Christians and Muslims have been killed in ethnic and religious violence across the region over the past 25 years.

Religious preachers have also been targeted in attacks. Some prominent Muslim clerics were murdered after criticising Boko Haram, the extremist group that launched its insurgency in 2009.

The circumstances of Masussuka’s killing have drawn attention to the risks faced by religious figures whose public teachings challenge influential interpretations or groups. However, investigators have yet to confirm whether his death was linked to his religious views.

The killing of the preacher and his visitor adds to concerns about violence in northern Nigeria, where religious disagreements can intersect with broader security challenges.

Police have confirmed the deaths, but further details about the attackers, their identities and the motive for the shooting were not available in the report.