Tension has risen in parts of Sokoto metropolis following the stabbing of an Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, shortly after he led the Friday prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of the city.
The cleric was reportedly attacked by a young man believed to be among the worshippers. The assailant allegedly stabbed Lukwa twice in the neck before other worshippers overpowered him and killed him.
The incident occurred shortly after the Juma’at prayer on Friday, with the attack reportedly linked to a sermon previously delivered by the cleric.
The sermon was said to have angered some Islamic scholars and their followers, who considered remarks made during it offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad.
The controversy had earlier led to threats against Lukwa and one of his senior students. A man identified as Mai Barewa was reportedly arrested and arraigned in connection with the threats, with the case said to be ongoing.
It was also learnt that the cleric and his followers submitted a written complaint to the Sokoto State Government four days before the attack, expressing concern over the threats against them.
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, and was responding to treatment.
Rufa’i said the suspected attacker was killed by the cleric’s followers, adding that the police had deployed operatives to prevent further violence.
He said an investigation was underway to establish the circumstances of the incident and identify those involved.
The attack reportedly sparked protests in parts of the metropolis, including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi, after residents learnt that the cleric had survived. Some businesses were shut while residents moved away from affected areas as security personnel took strategic positions.
The police urged residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
