The Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque at Mabera in Sokoto metropolis has been shut by the Government of Sokoto State, following last Friday’s stabbing of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, and the killing of his alleged attacker by worshippers.
The government also ordered a full investigation into the incident and declared 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 closure came amid heightened tension in parts of the state capital following the incident, which occurred shortly after Lukuwa led the Juma’at prayer at the mosque.
According to a report, the cleric was allegedly stabbed twice in the neck by a young man among the worshippers. Other worshippers subsequently overpowered the suspect and killed him.
The police had confirmed that Lukuwa survived the attack and was taken to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, for treatment. Police spokesman, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, later said the cleric was discharged after treatment for injuries to his neck and left hand.
The incident reportedly triggered protests and heightened tension around areas including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi, with some businesses closing temporarily as security operatives moved into strategic locations to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The incident came only days after protests erupted in Sokoto over the continued remand of another Islamic cleric, Dahiru Mai Barewa, who was accused of threatening Lukuwa and another scholar, Malam Murtala Bello Assada. Police subsequently arrested about 20 people in connection with the protest.
The government, however, said it would not allow individuals to exploit religion to create tension or disrespect Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his parents, household and companions.
“The Sokoto State Government has dissociated itself from any person of any status that hides under the pretext of religion to undermine or disrespect the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his parents as well as his companions,” Bawa said.
It reaffirmed its “total obedience and respect” for the Prophet and urged residents to continue to demonstrate love and compassion towards him.
Beyond the mosque closure, the government announced the constitution of a committee of Islamic scholars to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the recent religious tensions in the metropolis.
“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 also appealed to residents to refrain from provocative and inflammatory statements capable of worsening the situation.
It said, “The Government has appealed to people in the state to desist from incitive statements that could jeopardise the peaceful coexistence that Sokoto is known for.”
The administration assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging members of the public to remain calm and allow security agencies and the committee of ulamas to complete their investigations.
The government said the measures were necessary to prevent further escalation and safeguard the peace and religious harmony of the state.
