Sokoto Cleric Stabbed After Friday Prayer, Suspect Killed by Followers

An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, was stabbed shortly after leading the Friday Juma’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis on Friday, September 11, 2026, according to the Sokoto State Police Command.

The police said the cleric was attacked by a suspected young male worshipper who was subsequently killed by the cleric’s followers.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, confirmed that Lukwa was taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he was receiving treatment and responding to medical care.

Rufa’i said the suspect was killed by the cleric’s followers following the attack and that no arrest had been made in connection with the ensuing violence.

According to reports, the attack may be connected to an earlier sermon delivered by the cleric, which had reportedly generated controversy among some Islamic scholars and their followers over comments concerning the parents of Prophet Muhammad.

The controversy had previously led to threats against the cleric and one of his senior students. A man identified as Mai Barewa was reportedly arrested and arraigned before a court, with the case said to be ongoing.

The cleric and his followers were also reported to have submitted a written complaint to the Sokoto State Government four days before Friday’s incident, raising concerns over alleged threats against them.

Following news of the attack, protests were reportedly recorded in parts of the metropolis, with heightened tension in areas including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi.

Some businesses reportedly closed temporarily, while residents left certain commercial areas amid concerns over possible violence. Security personnel were subsequently deployed to strategic locations to maintain law and order.

The police said an investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those involved in the subsequent violence.

The command urged residents to remain calm, avoid reprisals and refrain from taking the law into their own hands as security authorities work to prevent further escalation.