Tension flared in Sokoto metropolis on Friday after Islamic cleric Malam Musa Lukwa was stabbed during the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area, an incident linked to a controversial sermon he delivered earlier. The attack, which occurred shortly after the Friday worship service, left the cleric injured and sparked immediate violence as worshippers confronted the suspect. According to reports, the attacker, described as a young man among the congregation, stabbed Lukwa twice in the neck before being overpowered and killed by other worshippers.
The stabbing is believed to be connected to a sermon Lukwa had delivered previously, which some Islamic scholars and their followers found offensive, particularly regarding references to the parents of Prophet Muhammad. This sermon had already caused unrest in the community, leading to accusations that Mai Barewa, a local man, threatened both Lukwa and one of his senior students. Mai Barewa was later arrested and taken to court, where the case remains ongoing.
In a preventive measure, Lukwa and his followers had written to the Sokoto State Government four days before the attack, raising concerns about threats against them. Despite this warning, the violence erupted during the Friday prayers, catching many off guard. Confirming the incident, DSP Ahmad Rufai, spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, stated that Lukwa was receiving medical treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, and was responding positively to care.
Rufai added that the suspect was killed by the cleric’s followers during the confrontation, and no arrests have been made in connection with the subsequent violence. He emphasized that the police are actively investigating the incident to determine its root causes and identify all individuals involved. Security measures have been intensified across the city, especially in areas like Sahara, Bello Way, and Aliyu Jodi, where protests broke out following news of the cleric’s survival.
These protests heightened tensions, prompting shop owners to close their businesses out of fear of further unrest. Some residents were seen evacuating commercial zones as security personnel deployed to strategic locations to restore calm. The police have urged citizens to remain peaceful and refrain from taking matters into their own hands while investigations continue.
This tragic event underscores the fragility of religious harmony in parts of northern Nigeria, where theological disputes can quickly escalate into violent confrontations. As authorities work to prevent further unrest, the case will likely draw attention to the broader challenges of managing religious sensitivities and ensuring public safety in a diverse society.
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