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Sokoto Cleric Musa Lukwa Stabbed After Friday Prayers, Suspected Attacker Killed
Sokoto Islamic cleric Sheikh Musa Lukwa was stabbed twice in the neck after Friday prayers, while his suspected attacker was killed by the cleric’s followers.
Islamic cleric Sheikh Musa Lukwa was stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis on Friday.
The attack occurred after the prayer when a young man reportedly among the worshippers allegedly attacked the cleric, stabbing him twice in the neck.
Lukwa was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he was receiving treatment and responding to it, according to the spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i.
The suspected attacker was subsequently overpowered and killed by the cleric’s followers, according to the police.
Rufa’i said no arrest had been made in connection with the violence that followed the attack, adding that the command had deployed security personnel to prevent the situation from escalating.
The incident comes amid an existing controversy surrounding Lukwa and threats allegedly made against him over comments attributed to him during a previous religious sermon.
A man identified as Dahiru Mai Barewa had previously been accused of threatening Lukwa and another Islamic scholar, Malam Murtala Bello Assada. The allegations led to legal proceedings, and a court recently ordered Barewa’s re-arrest and remand.
Earlier this week, supporters of Barewa staged protests in parts of Sokoto demanding his release. Police said about 20 people were arrested during the September 7 demonstration after some protesters allegedly confronted security personnel and attempted to secure Barewa’s release by force.
Friday’s attack has further heightened tension in the state, with reports of protests in parts of Sokoto metropolis following news that Lukwa had survived the stabbing.
Security operatives have been deployed to strategic locations as authorities work to prevent further violence.
The police have urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the subsequent killing of the suspected assailant.
Authorities are expected to establish the identity of the attacker, determine his motive and investigate the circumstances surrounding the mob killing.