The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed an attack on an Islamic scholar, Malam Musa Lukuwa, shortly after the Jumu’at prayers at Lukuwa Mosque in Sokoto State.
The Command also confirmed that the alleged assailant was overpowered and killed by an angry mob before security operatives could intervene.
In a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the incident followed a distress call from a concerned citizen reporting a violent attack at the mosque.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that an unidentified man allegedly entered the mosque and attacked Lukuwa shortly after the prayers.
“The assailant reportedly used a knife to inflict deep cuts on the victim’s neck and left hand,” Rufa’i said.
He added that members of the congregation overpowered the suspect and subsequently subjected him to mob action.
“The suspect was overpowered by members of the congregation and subsequently killed by an angry mob before the intervention of security operatives,” he said.
Rufa’i said the suspect was later taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.
He further disclosed that Lukuwa was rushed to a specialist hospital for treatment and was later discharged after receiving medical attention.
The Police Command condemned the killing of the suspect, describing it as “jungle justice,” and urged residents to remain calm and refrain from any form of unrest or reprisal attack.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, called on residents to cooperate with security agencies as investigations into the incident continue.
Shaffa stressed the need for members of the public to allow the law to take its course and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
The Command said security personnel had been deployed to the affected area to maintain law and order and prevent any further escalation.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency.
