By Kazeem Waris
Sokoto-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa, has appealed for calm following an alleged knife attack on him shortly after Friday’s Jumu’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis.
Lukuwa, who sustained a minor injury to his neck, gave the assurance in a video circulated on social media, saying he was well and in stable condition.
The cleric appeared in the video with a plaster covering part of his neck, amid concerns among his followers and residents over reports of the incident.
According to him, the assailant approached him shortly after the Jumu’at prayer and allegedly attempted to attack him with a knife.
Lukuwa said the intervention of his followers helped prevent the attacker from inflicting more serious harm, commending them for their swift response.
He, however, urged his followers and members of the public not to allow the incident to trigger anger, retaliation or any action capable of escalating tension in the metropolis.
“I am well,” the cleric said, assuring his followers that there was no need for panic over his condition.
He also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands, urging them to allow the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The incident has attracted considerable attention on social media, coming against the backdrop of controversies surrounding some of Lukuwa’s recent religious pronouncements.
The cleric thanked his followers and well-wishers for their concern, prayers and solidarity, while reiterating his call for restraint and peaceful resolution of the matter.
