The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, following the stabbing of Islamic cleric, Musa Lukawa, shortly after Friday prayers and the subsequent killing of his alleged attacker by worshippers.
The government also ordered 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 comes amid heightened religious tension in parts of Sokoto metropolis following the attack on Lukawa after he led the Friday Juma’at prayers.
The Sokoto State Police Command said the suspected attacker used a knife to stab the cleric before worshippers overpowered and allegedly beat him to death.
Police spokesman, Ahmad Rufa’i, said the command received a distress call at about 1:50pm concerning the incident.
According to him, preliminary investigation showed that the suspect entered the mosque after prayers and attacked Lukawa.
The cleric was subsequently rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Lukawa later appealed for calm, assuring his followers that he was stable and urging them not to retaliate or take any action capable of escalating the situation.
Reacting to the incident, the state government directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ordered the closure of the mosque.
Bawa said, “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.”
The government also constituted a committee of Islamic scholars, known as ulamas, to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the religious tensions and advise the government on measures to prevent further escalation.
“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 administration further dissociated itself from individuals who, under the guise of religion, engage 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 government also appealed to residents to avoid inflammatory statements and actions that could further worsen the situation.
“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.
The government assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, urging them to remain calm while security agencies investigate the incident.
