Tension has gripped parts of Sokoto metropolis following the stabbing of an Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of the city on Friday.
The cleric was allegedly attacked twice in the neck by a young man who was among worshippers at the mosque.
Sources told Daily Trust that the suspect was seated among worshippers, reportedly in one of the front rows, before attacking the cleric immediately after the prayer.
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Daily Trust also reported that the suspect was subsequently overpowered by worshippers, who allegedly beat him to death.
The incident reportedly followed an earlier threat by the suspect, identified as Mai Barewa, to kill Malam Lukwa and his senior student, Malam Murtala Assada.
Following the alleged threat, the cleric and his followers reported the matter to the Police, leading to the suspect’s arrest and arraignment.
The court subsequently ordered that he be remanded in a correctional facility while the case remained pending.
Four days before Friday’s attack, the clerics had reportedly visited the Sokoto State Government House, where they submitted a written complaint concerning the matter.
Confirming the Friday attack, the spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said Malam Lukwa was receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.
Rufa’i also confirmed that the suspected attacker was killed by the cleric’s followers.
He said no arrest had been made in connection with the ensuing violence, adding that the Police had deployed measures to prevent the situation from escalating.
The Police spokesman said the Command was investigating the incident to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify anyone who may have been involved.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid actions capable of further escalating tension while the Police continue their investigation.