Sokoto cleric stabbed after Juma’at prayer, attacker killed
Tensions Erupt in Sokoto Following Stabbing of Islamic Cleric
SOKOTO, Nigeria — Tensions escalated in Sokoto metropolis on Friday after Malam Musa Lukwa, an Islamic cleric, was stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area.
A young male suspect, reportedly among the worshippers, allegedly attacked Lukwa, stabbing him twice in the neck. Other participants in the prayer subdued the attacker, who was subsequently killed during the altercation.
Authorities believe the assault is linked to a recent sermon delivered by the cleric that some Islamic scholars and their followers deemed offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad. This sermon had reportedly intensified local tensions, with a man identified as Mai Barewa allegedly threatening both Lukwa and one of his senior students.
Barewa has since been arrested and is facing charges in court, with the case still ongoing. Four days prior to the stabbing, Lukwa and his followers notified the Sokoto State Government about the threats they were receiving.
Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed the attack and reported that Lukwa is now receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Sokoto, where he is said to be responding well.
“The cleric was stabbed and has been taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he is receiving treatment and responding to treatment,” Rufai stated. “The suspect was killed by the cleric’s followers, and no arrests have been made in connection with the ensuing violence.”
In response to the incident, law enforcement officials have taken precautions to prevent further unrest. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attack and to identify all individuals involved.
The attack has also triggered protests among local youths, particularly after news circulated that Lukwa had survived his injuries. Demonstrations intensified in several areas, including Sahara, Bello Way, and Aliyu Jodi, prompting some shop owners to close their businesses out of fear of further violence.
Residents were observed vacating commercial districts as security personnel deployed to key locations to ensure peace.
Local authorities are urging residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands while the investigation continues.
