The Sokoto State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the stabbing of an Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukawa, and the subsequent killing of his alleged attacker by a mob.
The incident occurred on Friday shortly after the Jumu’at prayer at Lukuwa Mosque, where the cleric was attacked with a knife.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the command received a distress call at about 1:50pm from a concerned citizen reporting the attack.
Rufai said preliminary investigations indicated that an unidentified man entered the mosque after the Friday prayer and attacked Lukawa with a sharp knife.
“The assailant, who brought out a sharp knife, inflicted deep cuts on the victim’s neck and left hand,” he said.
According to him, the suspect was immediately overpowered by an angry mob and lynched before security operatives could intervene.
He said the suspect was taken to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), where he was confirmed dead and his remains deposited at the mortuary.
The police spokesperson, however, said Lukawa survived the attack and was discharged after receiving treatment at a specialist hospital.
The command condemned the mob killing, urging residents not to resort to jungle justice or actions capable of triggering further unrest.
Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies while the investigation continues.
The CP said it was important to “allow the law to take its course to ensure justice is served appropriately.”
The police also disclosed that security personnel had been deployed to the area to maintain law and order and prevent any possible reprisal attacks.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security post.