Knife attack: ‘I’m well, in good health,’ says Sokoto cleric

Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa, the controversial Sokoto-based Islamic cleric who was stabbed with a knife on Friday shortly after the conclusion of Jumu’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis, has appealed to his followers and members of the public to remain calm, assuring them that he is well and in good health.

Lukuwa made the appeal in a viral video circulated on social media following the attack, in which he appeared with a plaster covering part of his neck where he sustained a minor injury.

The cleric, while speaking about the incident, sought to dispel fears over his condition, stressing that the injury he suffered was not life-threatening and that he was currently in stable condition.

He urged his teeming followers not to allow the incident to trigger anger, retaliation or any action capable of escalating tension in the metropolis.

Lukuwa also commended his followers for what he described as their bravery and swift intervention during the attack, saying their actions provided him with cover and prevented the assailant from inflicting more serious harm.

According to the cleric, the attacker approached him shortly after the Jumu’at prayer and allegedly attempted to attack him with a knife in circumstances that could have resulted in fatal consequences.

He expressed appreciation to those who immediately rallied around him, describing their intervention as crucial in protecting his life from the alleged attacker.

The cleric’s appearance in the video, with a plaster visible around his neck, came amid growing concern among his followers and residents of Sokoto over reports of the incident.

He nevertheless appealed for restraint, emphasising that his followers should remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

The incident has generated considerable attention on social media, particularly against the backdrop of controversies surrounding some of the cleric’s recent religious pronouncements.

Lukuwa’s appeal is expected to help douse tension among his supporters and prevent the incident from degenerating into further confrontation or reprisals.

He thanked his followers and well-wishers for their concern, prayers and solidarity, assuring them that there was no need for panic over his condition.

The cleric further urged the public to remain calm and allow relevant authorities to handle the circumstances surrounding the attack in accordance with the law.

The incident underscores the need for restraint and peaceful resolution of disagreements, particularly where religious or doctrinal differences have the potential to generate heightened emotions and public tension.