Tension has risen in parts of Sokoto metropolis after an Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, was stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of the city on Friday.
The cleric was reportedly attacked by a young man among the worshippers after the prayer. The suspect was subsequently overpowered by people at the scene and killed in the ensuing mob action.
The incident was reportedly connected to controversy surrounding a previous sermon delivered by Lukwa. The sermon had generated anger among some Muslim groups, with allegations that some of his remarks were considered offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The controversy had previously led to threats against the cleric and one of his senior students, Malam Murtala Assada. The matter had reportedly been brought to the attention of authorities before Friday’s incident.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that Lukwa was receiving treatment at a hospital in the state. Police also confirmed that the suspected attacker had been killed by the cleric’s followers and said no arrest had yet been made in connection with the subsequent violence.
Security personnel have been deployed in an effort to prevent the situation from escalating, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the mob killing.
The incident has renewed concerns over the danger of mob justice, particularly when disputes involve sensitive religious issues. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and law abiding as efforts continue to maintain peace and establish the full circumstances of the incident.
