The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the death of a man who allegedly stabbed an Islamic cleric, Mallam Musa Lukuwa, shortly after Friday congregational prayer in Sokoto.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Rufa’i Ahmad, confirmed the incident to journalists on Friday.
Ahmad said the suspect died following mob action after allegedly stabbing Lukuwa in the stomach.
He said the incident occurred immediately after the Friday prayer, adding that Lukuwa, who led the congregation, was receiving treatment at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH).
According to him, the deceased was promptly evacuated from the scene, and no arrest had been made in connection with the incident.
“The situation is under control, and the command enjoins people to remain calm and law-abiding,” Ahmad said.
The incident occurred amid controversy over utterances attributed to Lukuwa concerning Prophet Muhammad, which had generated anger among some Muslim faithful in Sokoto.
A resident identified as Dahiru Mai Barewa had reportedly threatened to kill Lukuwa over the remarks, with the development followed by demonstrations in parts of Sokoto metropolis.
A coalition of Islamic groups had also petitioned the Sokoto State Government and security agencies, calling for action over what it described as statements capable of causing a breach of peace.
At a press conference on September 4, the Leader of the National Sufi Council of Nigeria and National Commissioner in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Sheikh Abubakar Yagawal, had urged Muslims to oppose what he described as blasphemous content while promoting peaceful co-existence.
Yagawal described the remarks attributed to Lukuwa as inappropriate and capable of heightening tension among Muslim communities.
He said the coalition had called on the Federal and Sokoto State governments, as well as security agencies, to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
Yagawal said the groups were strengthening collaboration to ensure that the matter was addressed through lawful means in the interest of safety and peaceful co-existence.
- Media Report