Islamic Cleric Stabbed After Friday Prayer in Sokoto, Suspect Beaten to Death
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
SOKOTO — Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, was stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Lukwa was reportedly attacked by a young man among the worshippers as the cleric was leaving the prayer ground.
According to witnesses, the assailant used a concealed blade to stab the cleric twice in the neck before congregants intervened.
The attacker was immediately overpowered by worshippers at the scene and subsequently beaten to death.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying Lukwa was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he was receiving medical treatment.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the cleric was responding to treatment.
Rufai also confirmed that the alleged attacker died following the mob action, adding that no arrest had been made in connection with the killing.
The police said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify individuals involved in the subsequent mob action.
The incident reportedly followed a theological disagreement linked to a previous sermon delivered by Lukwa.
The sermon had allegedly generated controversy among some Islamic scholars and followers, with some interpreting portions of it as offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad.
Sources said tensions had existed before Friday’s attack, with threats reportedly issued against Lukwa and one of his senior students.
A formal complaint concerning the alleged threats was also said to have been submitted to the Sokoto State Government four days before the cleric was attacked.
Following the stabbing, protests reportedly broke out in parts of Sokoto metropolis, including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi.
The development caused some business owners to shut their shops amid fears that the incident could trigger further violence.
Security personnel were subsequently deployed to affected areas to maintain public order and prevent the situation from escalating.
The police said efforts were ongoing to identify all those connected with the incident and determine the circumstances that led to the mob killing of the alleged attacker.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid actions capable of worsening the situation while investigations continue.
The attack has raised concerns over the handling of religious disagreements and the resort to violence in resolving disputes.
Security agencies are expected to continue monitoring the affected areas as normalcy gradually returns to parts of the Sokoto metropolis.
Police authorities have not disclosed the identity of the deceased suspect or announced any arrest in connection with the mob action as of Friday night.
