RismadarVoice Reporters
September 11, 2026
An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, has been stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis.
The incident occurred on Friday, causing tension in parts of the city after the suspected attacker, reportedly a young worshipper, allegedly stabbed the cleric twice in the neck.
The attacker was later overpowered and killed by some of the cleric’s followers, according to the Sokoto State Police Command.
The attack 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.
The sermon had earlier sparked controversy, with a man identified as Mai Barewa allegedly threatening the cleric and one of his senior students. He was later arrested and arraigned before a court, with the matter still ongoing.
Sources said the cleric and his followers had submitted a written complaint to the Sokoto State Government four days before the attack, raising concerns over threats allegedly made against them.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the cleric was receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, and was responding to treatment.
“The cleric was stabbed and has been taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he is receiving treatment and responding to treatment,” Rufa’i said.
He added that the suspect was killed by the cleric’s followers after the attack, while police had commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The development reportedly triggered protests by some youths in parts of Sokoto metropolis, with tension spreading to areas including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi.
Several shop owners reportedly closed their businesses as security operatives moved into strategic locations to prevent further unrest.
The police have appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands as investigations continue.
