Sokoto Cleric Stabbed After Friday Prayer, Suspect Dies in Mob Attack

Sokoto Cleric Stabbed After Friday Prayer, Suspect Dies in Mob Attack

Tension was reported in parts of Sokoto metropolis on Friday after an Islamic cleric, Mallam Musa Lukwa, was allegedly stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of the city.

According to reports, the cleric was attacked by a young man believed to be among the worshippers. The attacker allegedly stabbed him twice in the neck before other worshippers intervened and overpowered him.

The suspect was subsequently beaten to death by some of the cleric’s followers, according to the police.

The incident was reportedly linked to a sermon previously delivered by the cleric, which had generated controversy among some Islamic scholars and their followers over comments they considered offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad.

Reports indicated that the sermon had earlier heightened tensions, with a man identified as Mai Barewa allegedly issuing threats against the cleric and one of his senior students.

Mai Barewa was reportedly arrested and arraigned before a court, with the matter still pending.

The cleric and his followers were also said to have submitted a written complaint to the Sokoto State Government four days before Friday’s incident, expressing concerns over alleged threats against them.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the cleric was receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.

Rufa’i also confirmed that the suspected attacker was killed by the cleric’s followers following the stabbing.

He said no arrest had been made in connection with the ensuing violence, adding that the police had taken measures to prevent further escalation.

The police spokesperson said an investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those involved in the violence.