An Islamic cleric, Musa Lukwa, was reportedly stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis on Friday.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying the cleric was attacked after completing the Friday prayer.
Ahmad Rufa’i, the police spokesperson in Sokoto, told journalists that the attacker allegedly stabbed Lukwa twice in the neck before other worshippers overpowered and killed the suspect.
Rufa’i said the injured cleric was taken to the Specialist Hospital in Sokoto for medical treatment.
According to reports, the attack may have been connected to a previous sermon delivered by the cleric, which some Islamic scholars and their followers considered offensive to Prophet Muhammad’s parents.
The sermon had reportedly caused tension previously, with a man identified as Mai Barewa allegedly threatening Lukwa and one of his senior students.
Mai Barewa was subsequently arrested and arraigned before a court, with the case reportedly still ongoing.
Four days before Friday’s attack, the cleric and his followers were also said to have written to the Sokoto State Government, raising concerns over threats allegedly made against them.
Rufa’i said the police had taken steps to prevent the situation from escalating, while an investigation was underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those involved.
The incident reportedly sparked protests by some youths in parts of Sokoto metropolis after news emerged that the cleric had survived the attack.
The development further heightened tension in the city, with several shop owners reportedly shutting their businesses over fears of possible attacks.