On 11 September, Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa, a controversial Islamic cleric, was stabbed inside his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto shortly after the Friday congregational prayer. An unidentified man allegedly attacked the cleric with a knife at about 1:50 p.m.; worshippers overpowered the assailant, who later died from injuries sustained during a mob assault.
Police confirmed that one person died in connection with the incident, but the identity and background of the deceased remain unverified. The attacker was reportedly beaten by a crowd before succumbing to his wounds, while the cleric was rushed to a hospital, treated, and subsequently discharged.
In a video released after his recovery, Lukuwa reassured his followers that he was well and urged them to remain calm, warning against any retaliation that could inflame the situation. He thanked those who had intervened during the attack, describing their actions as protective.
The Sokoto state government declared the Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque a crime scene and ordered its closure until further notice. Security personnel were deployed around the premises to prevent unauthorised access and to facilitate the investigation of the stabbing and the subsequent killing of the alleged assailant.
To address the broader religious tensions, the government established a 14‑member Advisory Committee of Islamic scholars and representatives of major Muslim organisations. Chaired by Malam Yahaya na Malam Boyi, the committee includes members from Izala, Tijjaniyyah, Qadiriyyah, Jama’atu Nasril Islam and the Sultanate Council, with the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and a secretary serving as members. The committee is tasked with critically examining the Shari’ah position on the issues raised by Lukuwa and advising the government, with a report due within 14 days.
The incident has reignited debate over religious freedom, the limits of religious expression, mob justice and the appropriate institutional response to sensitive religious matters. The controversy is linked to alleged remarks attributed to Lukuwa concerning the parents of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), though the precise context and content of those remarks are still under review.
Authorities continue to investigate the events, while community leaders call for calm and restraint to maintain peace and religious harmony in the metropolis.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
