Blasphemy tension in Sokoto: Man killed, Islamic Cleric stabbed after Friday prayers

By Habibu Harisu

Tension rose in Sokoto on Friday as a yet- to- be identified man stabbed prominent Islamic Cleric, Sheik Musa Lukuwa who has been focus of controversies over alleged blasphemy.

Lukwa who was stabbed after he led the Friday prayers survived the attack, however, the man who stabbed him was instantly mobbed to death

Lukuwa had been accused of alleged blasphemy against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a development that had triggered anger among section of Muslim faithful in the state

A notorious Sokoto-based gangster, Dahiru Maibarewa, who pledged to kill Lukuwa over utterances attributed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

The pledge sparked demonstrations in Sokoto metropolis after Maibarewa’s arrest.

A coalition of Islamic groups had submitted a petition to the Sokoto State Government against Lukuwa, urging authorities to sanction him over alleged utterances capable of instigating violence.

At a press conference on Sept. 4, Islamic Cleric Sheikh Abubakar Yagawal called on Muslims to reject any cleric spreading blasphemous content for peaceful coexistence in the country.

Yagawal, Leader of the National Sufi Council of Nigeria and National Commissioner in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), described Lukuwa’s utterances as unbecoming and capable of instigating violence.

The cleric stressed that the coalition had called on the Federal and State Governments as well as security agencies to investigate the utterances.

According to him, the groups are collaborating to ensure justice on the matter for safety and peaceful coexistence.

He noted that blasphemy against the Prophet attracts calamity and chaos in society.

The Sokoto Police Command, through its spokesperson, ASP Rufa’i Ahmad, confirmed the incident.

Ahmad said the man was killed in mob action after he stabbed Lukuwa in the stomach immediately after Friday prayers.

The Police spokesperson said Lukuwa, who led the Friday congregation, was receiving treatment at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), while the deceased’s body had been evacuated.

The PPRO said no arrest had been made in connection with the incident, adding that the situation was under control.

The spokesperson urged people to remain calm and law-abiding.

(NAN)

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