Sokoto-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa, has appealed for calm following knife attack on him shortly after the conclusion of Jumu’at prayer at his mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis.

Lukuwa, who sustained a minor injury around his neck during the incident on Friday, said he was in stable condition and urged his followers and members of the public not to panic over his wellbeing.

The cleric made the appeal in a video circulated on social media, in which he appeared with a plaster covering part of his neck.

He said the injury was not life-threatening and assured his followers that there was no cause for alarm.

According to him, the alleged assailant approached him shortly after the Jumu’at prayer and attempted to attack him with a knife.

He expressed appreciation to his followers who immediately rallied around him, saying their intervention helped shield him from the attacker and prevented a more serious outcome.

Lukuwa commended those who assisted him during the incident, describing their swift response as crucial to his safety.

He also thanked his followers and well-wishers for their concern, prayers and solidarity.

The cleric, however, urged his supporters to refrain from anger, retaliation or any action capable of escalating tension in Sokoto, stressing that nobody should take the law into their own hands.

He called on members of the public to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to investigate the incident and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

The reported attack has attracted significant attention on social media and renewed discussions around controversies surrounding some of Lukuwa’s recent religious pronouncements.

He appealed to his followers to exercise restraint and avoid any confrontation or reprisal that could further heighten tension in the state.