Sokoto Cleric Stabbed After Friday Prayer, Attacker Killed

A Sokoto cleric, Musa Lukwa, is receiving treatment after he was stabbed shortly after leading Friday prayers at a mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis.

The suspected attacker was overpowered and killed by worshippers after the incident, according to reports that gave the same account of the attack. Police in Sokoto confirmed that Lukwa was taken to Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, and said an investigation had begun.

The reports said the attack followed tension over an earlier sermon that some Islamic scholars and followers considered offensive. They also said threats had been reported before Friday’s attack, including a complaint sent to the Sokoto State Government days earlier.

Daily Trust reported that the suspect sat among worshippers before the attack. Punch and Daily Post said the cleric was stabbed twice in the neck before other worshippers intervened.

Daily Post and Punch both said the cleric and his followers had raised concerns about threats before the attack. Daily Trust named one earlier threat suspect as Mai Barewa and said a related court matter was already ongoing.

The police account confirmed the cleric’s treatment but did not immediately give further details on arrests or possible prosecution after the alleged attacker was killed at the scene.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard, Daily Post, Daily Trust