Mob kills man after Islamic cleric stabbed during Friday prayers in Sokoto

A man was killed by an angry mob after he allegedly stabbed an Islamic cleric shortly after Friday prayers in Sokoto, Nigerian media reported.

According to local reports, Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa was stabbed in the stomach while leading Juma prayers in the northwestern Nigerian city. He was taken to hospital, where he is expected to recover.

Nigerian media reported that the mob went ahead to kill the suspected attacker at the scene. The incident was being investigated by authorities.

The motive for the stabbing was not immediately clear, although several reports said it was linked to a controversial sermon by the cleric.

Local media reported that the incident had sparked tensions in parts of Sokoto, with security agents deployed to prevent further violence.

The stabbing was carried out shortly after Friday prayers, reported Vanguard, which described Lukuwa as a leading Islamic cleric. The Guardian also reported that the man who stabbed him was killed by a mob.

Reports did not immediately provide the identity of the man who was killed or details of any arrests linked to the incident.

Sokoto is a predominantly Muslim state in north-western Nigeria, which has seen communal tensions and mob violence over religion-related accusations.

The latest incident comes amid growing concern about vigilante and mob violence in parts of northern Nigeria.