A popular Sokoto-based Islamic cleric, Murtala Asada, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Tuesday night at his residence in Sokoto metropolis.
The cleric, known for his vocal criticisms of terrorist kingpin Bello Turji, successfully repelled the attackers with gunfire.
According to eyewitness accounts and colleagues, masked gunmen stormed Mr. Asada’s residence. One of the assailants reportedly scaled the fence to open the gate for others who arrived in vehicles.
However, the cleric, who monitored their movements through his CCTV system, fired shots that forced the attackers to flee.
Speaking to a Friday congregation, Musa Lukuwa, a colleague of Mr. Asada, confirmed the incident and commended the cleric’s preparedness. “Luckily for the cleric, he was able to repel the attackers with gunfire.
This incident underscores the importance of self-defense,” Mr. Lukuwa said, urging others to acquire firearms legally for protection.
Sources also disclosed that the assailants attempted to harm the gateman before abandoning their mission due to the cleric’s swift reaction. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the cleric’s ongoing feud with Mr. Turji has raised suspicions.
The conflict between the two figures has been highly publicized, with Mr. Asada previously praying for the demise of Mr. Turji, likening him to Halilu Sububu, another notorious terrorist killed by security forces. In response, Mr. Turji accused the cleric of escalating tensions and issued threats against him in a video.
The Sokoto State Police Command has reportedly begun an investigation into the incident, including reviewing CCTV footage from the cleric’s residence.
However, the police spokesperson, Ahmed Rufa’i, stated he had not been briefed on the matter.
The attack highlights growing security concerns in the region, where terrorism remains a persistent threat.
Residents and clerics have increasingly called for proactive measures, including personal defense, to counter such attacks.
This incident adds to the mounting pressure on authorities to address the activities of Bello Turji and his network, which continue to disrupt peace in the region.