Police Confirm one dead as Protests Trail Stabbing of Sokoto Cleric During Jumu’at Prayers
Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Tension gripped Sokoto metropolis on Friday after a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa, was stabbed at the end of Jumu’at prayers, an incident that
Sokoto city experienced unrest on Friday following the stabbing of a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa, during Jumu'at prayers. The incident resulted in the death of the suspect, who stabbed the cleric in the stomach following the congregation. The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement to reporters.
The victim, Lukuwa, is currently receiving treatment at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital. No arrests have been made yet but the police have assured that the situation is under control. Security forces were present in large numbers in various parts of the city and some shop owners had already shut their businesses.
The episode comes amid rising religious tensions in the state, triggered by allegations that Lukuwa made blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad. The cleric had also received a death threat, which further heightened tensions. Islamic organizations had lodged a petition with the state government and security agencies, urging them to take action against the cleric's comments.
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