By An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, was stabbed twice in the neck shortly after leading Friday prayers at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto, an attack that left parts of the city on edge and ended with worshippers overpowering and killing the attacker on the spot.
The Attack
The attacker, reported to be a young man among those who had gathered for prayers, allegedly struck the cleric in the neck before other worshippers present intervened, overpowering him and killing him before security personnel could arrive.
The incident has been linked to a previous sermon delivered by Lukwa, which some Islamic scholars and their followers reportedly considered offensive toward the parents of Prophet Muhammad.
A History of Tension Before Friday’s Attack
That earlier sermon had already stirred controversy, with a man identified as Mai Barewa allegedly threatening Lukwa and one of his senior students over its contents.
Mai Barewa was subsequently arrested and arraigned in court, with that case still working its way through the legal process.
Lukwa and his followers reportedly took the threats seriously enough to submit a written complaint to the Sokoto State Government four days before Friday’s attack, flagging their concerns to authorities in advance.
Police Confirm Cleric Survived
Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufa’i confirmed the attack, saying Lukwa was taken to the Specialist Hospital in Sokoto, where he was receiving treatment and responding well.
Rufa’i confirmed that the suspected attacker was killed by the cleric’s own followers in the aftermath, and said no arrest had been made in connection with that resulting violence.
He said police had taken steps to contain the situation and prevent further escalation, while an investigation continued to establish the full circumstances of the attack and identify everyone involved.
Unrest Spreads Across the City
News that the cleric had survived the attack reportedly triggered protests by youths in parts of the metropolis.
Tension rose sharply in areas including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi, prompting many shop owners to shut their businesses out of fear of further violence.
Some residents were seen leaving commercial areas altogether as security operatives moved into key locations to help restore order.
Police appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands while the investigation into the attack continues.
