A prominent Islamic cleric in Sokoto State, Malam Musa Lukuwa, was stabbed in the stomach shortly after leading Friday congregational prayers, with the suspected attacker subsequently killed by a mob.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, has heightened concerns in the state amid controversy over remarks attributed to Lukuwa concerning Prophet Muhammad.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, Rufa’i Ahmad, who said the attacker died following mob action after allegedly stabbing the cleric.
Ahmad said the incident occurred immediately after the Friday prayer, adding that Lukuwa was receiving treatment at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital.
He said the suspect had been evacuated from the scene after being attacked by the mob, while no arrest had been made in connection with the incident.
“The situation is under control, and the command enjoins people to remain calm and law-abiding,” the police spokesperson said.
The attack occurred against the backdrop of anger over utterances attributed to Lukuwa concerning Prophet Muhammad, which had reportedly triggered tension among some Muslim faithful in Sokoto.
A resident, identified as Dahiru Mai Barewa, had reportedly threatened to kill the cleric over the remarks, with the threat followed by demonstrations in parts of Sokoto metropolis.
A coalition of Islamic groups had also petitioned the Sokoto State Government and security agencies, demanding action over what it described as statements capable of provoking tension and violence.
At a press conference on September 4, the Leader of the National Sufi Council of Nigeria and National Commissioner at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Sheikh Abubakar Yagawal, urged Muslims to oppose what he described as blasphemous content while maintaining peaceful coexistence.
Yagawal described the remarks attributed to Lukuwa as inappropriate and capable of heightening tension among Muslim communities.
He said the coalition had called on the Federal and Sokoto State governments, as well as security agencies, to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
According to him, the groups were strengthening collaboration to ensure that the issue was addressed through lawful means in the interest of public safety and peaceful coexistence.
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