Islamic cleric Malam Musa Lukwa was stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto state.
The attacker, a young man among the worshipers, allegedly stabbed the cleric twice in the neck before being overcome and killed.
The event was purportedly linked to the cleric’s prior lecture, which some Islamic scholars and followers found insulting to Prophet Muhammad’s parents.
The lecture had previously caused friction, with a guy named Mai Barewa allegedly threatening the cleric and one of his senior students.
Mai Barewa was arrested and arraigned in court, and the matter is currently ongoing.
The pastor and his disciples were also alleged to have sent a formal protest to the Sokoto State Government four days before Friday’s incident, voicing worries over the threats against them.
Confirming the event, the spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the priest was undergoing treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.
According to him, the cleric’s disciples executed the accused attacker following the incident.
Rufa’i said, “The cleric was stabbed and has been taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he is receiving treatment and responding to treatment.
“The suspect was killed by the cleric’s followers, and no arrest has been made in connection with the ensuing violence.”
He said that the police had taken steps to prevent the conflict from escalating and that an investigation was underway to determine the circumstances of the attack and identify individuals involved.
Meanwhile, several youngsters in parts of the capital reportedly protested after learning that the preacher had survived the attack.
The development heightened tensions in places like Sahara, Bello Way, and Aliyu Jodi, leading numerous store owners to close their doors for fear of an assault.
Residents were also observed abandoning certain commercial districts as security personnel moved into strategic positions to ensure law and order.
The police encouraged citizens to remain calm and not take matters into their own hands as the investigation into the incident continues.
