Sokoto: Cleric Survives Mosque Attack as Police Condemn Mob Killing of Suspect
Jelili Gbadamosi
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that Islamic scholar, Malam Musa Lukuwa, survived a knife attack at Lukuwa Mosque shortly after Friday prayers.
The command said the suspected attacker was overpowered by worshippers and subsequently killed by an angry mob before security operatives could intervene.
The incident occurred immediately after the Jumu’at prayers when an unidentified man allegedly entered the mosque and attacked Lukuwa.
According to the police, the assailant inflicted deep cuts on the cleric’s neck and left hand with a knife.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, the command said it received a distress call from a concerned resident reporting the violent incident.
The police said members of the congregation subdued the suspect before taking the law into their own hands.
The suspect was later taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.
Meanwhile, Lukuwa was rushed to a Specialist Hospital for treatment and was later discharged after receiving medical attention.
The command condemned the killing of the suspect, describing it as “jungle justice,” and urged residents to avoid actions that could trigger further tension or reprisal attacks.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, called on residents to cooperate with security agencies and allow the law to take its course as investigations continue.
The command said security personnel had been deployed to the affected area to maintain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency.
