Sokoto cleric stabbed after Friday prayers, attacker killed by worshippers

An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukwa, was stabbed after leading Friday prayers at a mosque in Sokoto, Nigeria, in an attack linked to a previous sermon considered blasphemous by some worshippers. The alleged assailant was killed by other members of the congregation. The incident occurred on Friday, September 11, 2026, at a mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto. According to the Sokoto State Police Command, the cleric was stabbed shortly after concluding the Juma'at prayer. He was subsequently taken to a hospital, where authorities said he was receiving treatment and responding to care. The attack is reportedly connected to a sermon delivered by Lukwa that some Islamic scholars and followers deemed offensive to the parents of Prophet Muhammad. Tensions over the sermon had been building in the area. Reports indicate that a man named Mai Barewa had previously been arrested and taken to court for allegedly threatening the cleric and a student, with that case still ongoing. Furthermore, the cleric and his followers had written to the Sokoto State Government four days before the attack, expressing concern over threats against them.