The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, following the stabbing of an Islamic cleric, Musa Lukawa, after Friday prayers and the subsequent killing of his alleged attacker by worshippers.
The government also directed a full investigation into the incident, declaring the mosque a crime scene until further notice.
The directives were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa.
The development came amid heightened religious tension in parts of the metropolis following the incident involving Lukuwa, who was attacked shortly after leading the Friday Juma’at prayers at the mosque.
The Sokoto State Police Command said the alleged attacker used a knife to assault the cleric before worshippers overpowered and beat him to death.
Police spokesperson, Ahmad Rufa’i, said the command received a distress call at about 1:50 pm reporting the incident.
He said preliminary investigations indicated that the assailant entered the mosque after the prayers and attacked Lukuwa. The cleric was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
Lukuwa later appealed for calm, assuring his followers that he was in stable condition and urging them to avoid retaliation or any action that could escalate tensions.
Against this backdrop, the state government said it had ordered the closure of the mosque to enable security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
“The government has ordered a full investigation into the attack and killing at Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque, Mabera, and ordered the closure of the mosque (crime scene) till further notice,” Bawa said.
The government also constituted a committee of Islamic scholars or ulamas to examine the immediate and remote causes of the religious tensions, and advise it on appropriate measures.
“The State Government has constituted a committee of ulamas to examine the remote and immediate causes of such crisis, and to advise the government on the appropriate measures to be taken in the interest of the state,” the statement said.
The government further dissociated itself from anyone who, under the guise of religion, engages in acts it considers disrespectful to Prophet Muhammad, his parents, household and companions.
It reaffirmed its “total obedience and respect” for the Prophet and urged residents to continue to demonstrate love and compassion towards him.
The administration also appealed to residents to refrain from inciting statements capable of worsening the situation. It assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, while urging members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue.
“The Government has appealed to people in the state to desist from incisive statements that could jeopardise the peaceful coexistence that Sokoto is known for,” Bawa said.
