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By News Desk
BODINGA, Nigeria — Violence erupted in Bodinga, Sokoto State, after a local Islamic cleric was severely beaten by angry youths following a sermon delivered at a local mosque.
The assault reportedly stemmed from allegations that the imam was using the pulpit for partisan political campaigning in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Witnesses claimed the cleric told worshippers during his sermon that anyone unwilling to support a Muslim-Muslim executive ticket should re-examine their faith.
The statements provoked immediate outrage among younger congregants who are facing severe economic hardship and regional security concerns. The situation quickly escalated outside the mosque, where a crowd confronted and physically attacked the cleric before elders and security personnel stepped in to rescue him and transfer him to a nearby health facility.
The incident highlights growing frustration across local communities over rising food inflation, high living costs, and the use of religious platforms for political endorsements ahead of upcoming election cycles. Sokoto State security agencies have commenced an investigation into the assault to restore calm in the area.
