BREAKING: Sokoto Cleric Stabbed After Juma’at Prayers, Suspect Killed In Mob Attack

Tension gripped parts of Sokoto metropolis on Friday after prominent Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukuwa, was stabbed shortly after Juma’at prayers, while the alleged attacker was beaten to death by an angry mob.

The incident occurred inside a mosque in the Mabera area of the state capital immediately after worshippers concluded prayers.

Eyewitnesses told Leadership that the suspect, identified as Mai Barewa, had positioned himself among worshippers in the front row before allegedly drawing a concealed blade and stabbing Lukuwa twice in the neck and stomach.

The attack triggered an immediate reaction from members of the congregation, who reportedly overpowered and disarmed the suspect before beating him to death. Security operatives were said to have arrived after the mob had taken control of the situation.

Confirming the incident, the Sokoto State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said Lukuwa was rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), where he was receiving treatment.

“The cleric is responding to treatment. The suspect died as a result of mob action. The situation is under control and we urge the public to remain calm and law-abiding,” Rufa’i said.

A source close to the cleric, who pleaded anonymity, said the attack might be linked to a controversial sermon delivered by Lukuwa several weeks ago.

According to the source, Lukuwa had cited an Islamic prophetic tradition concerning the parents of Prophet Muhammad, a position which attracted criticism from some Islamic scholars, particularly those affiliated with the Sufi Tariqa order.

The source further alleged that Mai Barewa subsequently issued death threats against Lukuwa and one of his senior students, Malam Murtala Assada.

The cleric’s leadership council was said to have reported the alleged threats to the police and submitted a written petition to the Sokoto State Government four days before Friday’s attack.

The stabbing also triggered protests and heightened tension in parts of the metropolis, with areas including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi reportedly affected.

Some shop owners were said to have shut their businesses amid fears of possible reprisals, while heavily armed policemen were deployed to strategic locations to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

As of press time, no arrest had been made in connection with the mob killing of the alleged attacker.

The incident has heightened concerns over religious intolerance and tensions surrounding differing interpretations of Islamic teachings in the region.