Tension spread across parts of Sokoto metropolis after a cleric was attacked shortly after Friday prayers.
Malam Musa Lukwa was reportedly stabbed at his mosque in the Mabera area.
The attack happened after he led the Juma’at prayer, raising fresh concerns among residents.
A young man among the worshippers was reportedly identified as the suspected attacker.
Other worshippers allegedly overpowered the suspect, who was later killed during the ensuing violence.
The incident was reportedly linked to a previous sermon delivered by Lukwa.
Some Islamic scholars and their followers had reportedly considered parts of the sermon offensive.
The sermon had earlier created tension in the area, with threats allegedly made against the cleric.
A man identified as Mai Barewa was previously accused of threatening Lukwa and one of his senior students.
He was arrested and taken to court, while the case remains ongoing. Lukwa and his followers reportedly contacted the Sokoto State Government four days before the attack.
They were said to have raised concerns about threats against them. Confirming the incident, Sokoto police spokesman DSP Ahmad Rufai said the cleric survived the attack.
“The cleric was stabbed and has been taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he is receiving treatment and responding to treatment.
“The suspect was killed by the cleric’s followers, and no arrest has been made in connection with the ensuing violence.”
Rufai said police had taken steps to prevent further violence. He added that investigators were working to establish what caused the attack.
Some businesses reportedly shut down around Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi.
Security personnel were deployed to strategic areas as residents were urged to remain calm.
Police also warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
