Tension swept through parts of Sokoto metropolis on Friday after Islamic cleric Malam Musa Lukwa was stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area.
The attacker, reportedly a young man among the worshippers, allegedly stabbed the cleric twice in the neck before other worshippers overpowered him and killed him.
The incident was reportedly connected to a previous sermon delivered by the cleric, which some Islamic scholars and followers found offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad.
The sermon had already caused tension, with a man known as Mai Barewa allegedly threatening the cleric and a senior student.
Mai Barewa was later arrested and brought before a court, and the case is still ongoing.
The cleric and his followers reportedly submitted a written complaint to the Sokoto State Government four days before Friday’s attack, raising concerns over threats.
Confirming the event, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, stated that the cleric was receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.
He added that the suspect was killed by the cleric’s followers after the attack.
Rufa’i said, “The cleric was stabbed and has been taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he is responding to treatment.
The suspect was killed by the cleric’s followers, and no arrests have been made so far.”
He also mentioned that police have taken steps to prevent the situation from escalating and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack to identify those involved.
Meanwhile, the incident sparked protests by some youths in parts of the city after word spread that the cleric survived the attack.
The unrest increased tensions in areas like Sahara, Bello Way, and Aliyu Jodi, prompting several shop owners to close their businesses out of fear of possible violence.
Residents were also seen leaving some commercial districts as security forces moved to strategic locations to keep peace.
The police urged residents to stay calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands as investigations continue.
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