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An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, has survived a knife attack, which occurred shortly after Friday prayers at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis.
The incident reportedly triggered unrest in parts of the city as news of the attack spread.
According to reports, a young worshipper allegedly attacked 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 attack is believed to be connected to an earlier sermon delivered by Lukwa, which reportedly angered some Islamic scholars and their followers.
The cleric had allegedly received threats before Friday’s incident 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 to the threats four days before the attack through a written complaint.
The Sokoto 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 receiving treatment and responding to it.
“The cleric was stabbed and has been taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he is receiving treatment and responding to treatment,” he said.
Rufa’i said the alleged attacker was killed by the cleric’s followers and that no arrest had been made over the violence that followed.
“The suspect was killed by the cleric’s followers, and no arrest has been made in connection with the ensuing violence,” he added.
The police spokesman said security personnel had been deployed to contain the situation and prevent further violence as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those connected with it.
Protests, tension after attack
The attack reportedly led to protests in 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 positions at strategic locations.
The police appealed to residents to remain calm and peaceful, warning against retaliatory actions.
The command said investigations into the incident and the subsequent violence were continuing.
