An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, was stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, on Friday, with the incident triggering tension in parts of the city.
The cleric was reportedly attacked by a young man among the worshippers, who allegedly stabbed him twice in the neck before other worshippers overpowered the suspect and killed him.
The incident was said to be connected to a previous sermon delivered by Lukwa, which had reportedly generated controversy among some Islamic scholars and their followers.
The sermon was said to have been considered offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad by some members of the community, leading to threats against the cleric and one of his senior students.
A man identified as Mai Barewa was reportedly arrested and arraigned before a court over the threats, with the case said to be pending.
Sources said Lukwa and his followers submitted a written complaint to the Sokoto State Government four days before Friday’s incident, raising concerns over the threats against the cleric.
Confirming the attack, the spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said Lukwa was receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.
“The cleric was stabbed and has been taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he is receiving treatment and responding to treatment,” Rufa’i said.
He said the suspected attacker was killed by the cleric’s followers, adding that no arrest had been made in connection with the subsequent violence.
According to the police spokesman, security measures had been deployed to prevent the situation from escalating, while investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those involved.
Meanwhile, reports that the cleric survived the attack reportedly sparked protests by some youths in parts of Sokoto metropolis.
The development created tension around areas including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi, where some traders reportedly shut their shops for fear of possible attacks.
Some residents also left commercial areas as security operatives took positions at strategic locations to maintain peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The police appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands as investigation continues.