Jowhar (SD) – Reports from Jowhar, the administrative capital of Hirshabelle region state say that a state minister was shot dead there today.

Hirshabelle State Minister of Agriculture, Abdikadir Abukar Karani, was reportedly killed by gunmen as he left the Mosque after Esha Prayers.

Hirshabelle state Police arrived at the scene and immediately launched an operation to find the perpetrators.

No group have yet claimed the Killing but the state officials blamed Al Shabab in carrying out the killing.

Hirshabelle Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Osman Barre Mohamed warned lawmakers and other government officials that Al-Shabaab could carry out attacks in Hirshabelle State, and that they need to be extra vigilant.