Sokoto Cleric Stabbed After Juma’at Prayer, Attacker Killed

An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, has been stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at a mosque in Sokoto State, while the suspected attacker was killed by worshippers.

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The incident occurred on Friday in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis, triggering tension among residents and worshippers in the area.

The cleric was attacked twice in the neck by a young man who had joined other worshippers for the Friday prayer.

According to sources, the suspect remained inside the mosque until the prayer ended before allegedly moving against Lukwa.

Worshippers reportedly intervened and overpowered the attacker during the ensuing struggle. He was later beaten to death by members of the congregation.

The attack is believed to be connected to a previous sermon delivered by Lukwa. During the sermon, the cleric reportedly cited a Hadith that some Islamic scholars linked to the Tariqa order viewed as offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad.

The development had allegedly triggered threats against Lukwa and his senior student, Malam Murtala Assada.

Sources said the suspect, identified as Mai Barewa, had previously threatened to kill both clerics.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the suspect’s arrest and arraignment before a court.

He was later remanded in a correctional facility while the case remained pending.

The dispute resurfaced days before Friday’s attack. Four days earlier, Lukwa and his followers reportedly visited the Sokoto State Government House, where they submitted a written complaint over the matter.

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

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

“No arrest has been made in connection with the violence that followed the attack,” the police spokesman said.

He added that the command had deployed personnel to prevent the situation from spreading and maintain peace in the affected area.

Rufa’i said police investigators were working to establish what led to the attack and determine the circumstances surrounding the subsequent violence.

The command also appealed for calm as the investigation continues.