A popular Islamic cleric and technology expert, Alaramma Jabir Lawan Abdullahi, has been tragically killed during an illegal horse-riding celebration in Kano State.
The incident occurred on Saturday near the Gidan Sarki area, during an event locally known as Kilisa, a traditional horse-riding ceremony typically reserved for members of the royal family.
According to witnesses, chaos erupted when suspected thugs infiltrated the gathering.
Initial reports claimed the cleric was attacked by phone snatchers while traveling in a tricycle caught in traffic. However, the Kano State Police Command later clarified that the killing was unrelated to phone theft.
Speaking to PUNCH Metro, police spokesperson SP Haruna Abdullahi said the fatal stabbing occurred during the unauthorized Kilisa celebration.
“This is not a case of phone snatching,” Abdullahi said. “It happened during illegal horse riding.
The event often attracts hoodlums and thugs. The suspects approached and stabbed him multiple times.”
Abdullahi confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, and several suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Four horses were also seized by the police.
“I don’t have the exact number of those arrested yet, but some suspects and four horses are currently in custody,” he added.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the security risks surrounding unsanctioned public gatherings in the state.
This is not the first time the Kilisa celebration has turned violent.
In 2021, two elderly brothers, Inuwa Sani and Abdurrahman Sani, lost their lives after being trampled by horses during a similar event in the Yakasai Quarters of Kano.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid participating in unauthorized gatherings as they continue efforts to tighten public safety measures.