An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, was on Friday stabbed in the neck by one of the worshipers at the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto, in Sokoto State.
Penpushing reports that Lukwa was leading the Juma’at prayer, when the attacker a young man among the worshippers shortly after the prayer session, allegedly stabbed the cleric twice before other worshippers overpowered and killed him.
The incident was reportedly linked to a previous sermon delivered by the cleric, which some Islamic scholars and their followers considered offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad, while the sermon had previously generated tension, with a man identified as Mai Barewa allegedly threatening the cleric and one of his senior students.
Penpushing further reports that Mai Barewa was subsequently arrested and arraigned before a court, with the case still ongoing, while the cleric and his followers were also said to have submitted a written complaint to the Sokoto State Government four days before Friday’s attack, raising concerns over the threats against them.
The Sokoto State Police Command Public Relations Officer Ahmad Rufa’i, confirming the incident, said the cleric was receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, affirming that the suspected attacker was killed by the cleric’s followers after the incident.
‘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
Penpushing also reports that he added that the police had taken measures to prevent the incident from escalating, while an investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those involved.
The incident reportedly triggered protests by some youths in parts of the metropolis after news spread that the cleric had survived the attack, however, the development heightened tension in areas including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi, forcing several shop owners to close their businesses for fear of possible attacks.
Penpushing reports that residents were seen leaving some commercial areas as at the time of filing this report, as security operatives moved into strategic locations to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, the police command urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands as investigation into the incident continues.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
