The Sokoto State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and peaceful as it investigates the alleged attempted killing of Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Lukuwa, shortly after Friday congregational prayer.
In a statement issued on Friday night, the command’s spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufa’i, said preliminary investigations showed that an unidentified man entered the mosque and attacked Lukuwa immediately after the Jumu’at prayer.
He said the cleric was rushed to a specialist hospital for treatment and had been treated and discharged.
According to Rufa’i, the attacker brought out a knife and inflicted deep cuts on Lukuwa’s neck and left hand.
He said the assailant was subsequently overpowered and killed by an angry mob before security operatives could intervene.
‘The deceased assailant was rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor,’ the statement said.
The police condemned the killing of the suspect by the mob, urging residents to reject jungle justice and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
‘We urge the good people of the Caliphate to embrace peace and refrain from any form of unrest or reprisal attacks,’ Rufa’i said.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
‘It is imperative that we allow the law to take its course to ensure justice is served appropriately,’ he said.
Shaffa added that security personnel had been deployed to the area to maintain law and order.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security post.