Sokoto Worshippers Kill Man for Stabbing Islamic Cleric

On Friday, tension escalated in Sokoto metropolis when worshippers killed a man who allegedly stabbed Islamic cleric Malam Musa Lukwa twice in the neck after he led the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area. The attacker, reportedly a young man among the worshippers, was overpowered and killed by the cleric's followers.

This incident sparked protests among youths in various parts of the metropolis, including Sahara, Bello Way, and Aliyu Jodi, leading to shop closures due to fears of further violence. The attack may be linked to a sermon delivered by Lukwa that some Islamic scholars found offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad, which had previously incited threats against him, including one from an individual named Mai Barewa, who was arrested and is facing ongoing court proceedings.

Ahmad Rufa’i, spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, confirmed that Lukwa was receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, and stated that no arrests had been made related to the ensuing violence. The police are investigating the incident and have urged residents to remain calm.