Tension has gripped parts of Sokoto metropolis following the stabbing of Islamic cleric Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa at his mosque in the Mabera area of the city.

The incident occurred on September 11, shortly after Lukuwa conducted the Friday congregational prayer. Police said an unidentified man allegedly attacked the cleric with a sharp knife, inflicting injuries before worshippers overpowered him.

The alleged attacker was subsequently beaten by a mob and later died from injuries sustained during the assault, according to the police.

Lukuwa was taken to hospital for treatment and was later discharged. He subsequently appeared in a video assuring his followers that he was well and appealing for calm to prevent further violence.

The controversy surrounding the attack has been linked to remarks allegedly attributed to Lukuwa on sensitive religious issues, including comments concerning the parents of Prophet Muhammad. The precise context and content of the remarks remain subject to investigation.

Following the incident, the Sokoto State Government ordered the immediate closure of the Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque, declaring it a crime scene to allow security agencies to investigate the attack and the subsequent death of the alleged assailant.

Security personnel were deployed around the mosque, which remained closed during Friday prayers as authorities sought to prevent further disturbances.

The state government also constituted a 14-member advisory committee of Islamic scholars and representatives of major Muslim organisations to examine the religious issues surrounding the controversy and advise the government on measures to address its immediate and remote causes.

The committee, chaired by Malam Yahaya na Malam Boyi, Sarkin Malamai, includes representatives of Izala, Tijjaniyyah, Qadiriyyah, Jama’atu Nasril Islam and the Sultanate Council. It is expected to submit its report within 14 days.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over the composition of the committee by a disciple of Lukuwa, Mallam Murtala Bello Asada, who questioned whether the process could command confidence if individuals with previous disagreements with the cleric were involved.

The allegation of bias has not been established as a finding against any committee member.

Police Commissioner Hayatu Hassan Shafa has urged residents to remain calm and warned against reprisals, inflammatory statements and provocative gatherings.

The police also urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other influential persons to discourage actions capable of escalating the situation.

As investigations continue, authorities are seeking to establish the full circumstances surrounding the stabbing and death while preventing the religious controversy from triggering further violence in the state.