An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, was attacked with a knife shortly after Friday prayers at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis.
The attack, which occurred on Friday, reportedly caused unrest in parts of the city as news of the incident spread.
According to reports, a young worshipper allegedly went after the cleric after the Juma’at prayer and stabbed him twice around the neck.
Other worshippers reportedly intervened and overpowered the attacker, who was later killed by the cleric’s followers.
The incident is believed to be connected to an earlier sermon delivered by Lukwa which had reportedly angered some Islamic scholars and their followers.
Before Friday’s attack, the cleric had allegedly received threats over the sermon. A man identified as Mai Barewa was reportedly arrested and prosecuted after allegedly threatening Lukwa and one of his senior students.
The case is still before the court.
Lukwa and members of his group were also said to have alerted the Sokoto State Government about the threats four days before the attack through a written complaint.
The state police command confirmed that the cleric survived the attack and was taken to the Specialist Hospital in Sokoto.
Police spokesman, DSP Ahmad 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.”
Rufa’i said security personnel had been deployed to contain the situation and prevent further violence as investigators work to establish what happened and identify those connected with the incident.
Meanwhile, the attack reportedly led to protests in some parts of Sokoto after residents learnt that the cleric had survived.
Businesses in areas including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi were reportedly shut as youths gathered and tension mounted.
Some residents also reportedly left the affected areas as security operatives took up positions at strategic locations.
The police appealed to residents to remain peaceful and warned against retaliatory actions, saying investigations into the incident were still ongoing.