The Sokoto State Government has shut the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, following the stabbing of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, and the subsequent killing of his alleged attacker by worshippers.
The government also declared the mosque a crime scene and ordered that it remain closed until further notice as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa.
Lukuwa was reportedly attacked shortly after leading Friday prayers at the mosque.
A young man among the worshippers allegedly stabbed the cleric twice in the neck before other worshippers overpowered him and reportedly killed him.
The police said Lukuwa survived the attack and was taken to Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he received treatment for injuries to his neck and left hand.
Police spokesman, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, later confirmed that the cleric had been discharged from the hospital.
The incident, however, heightened tension in parts of Sokoto metropolis, including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi, with businesses reportedly shutting temporarily as security operatives were deployed to strategic locations.
The latest development came amid growing religious tensions in the state following protests over the continued remand of Islamic cleric Dahiru Mai Barewa.
Mai Barewa had allegedly been accused of threatening Lukuwa and another Islamic scholar, Malam Murtala Bello Assada.
Police had earlier arrested about 20 people in connection with the protests.
In response to the latest incident, the state government constituted a committee of Islamic scholars to investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the recurring religious tensions in Sokoto metropolis.
According to the government, the committee is expected to advise it on measures to prevent further escalation of the crisis. “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 warned residents against making provocative or inflammatory statements capable of worsening the situation. It said it would continue to protect lives and property while security agencies and the committee conduct their investigations.
The government further said it had dissociated itself from anyone using religion as a pretext to cause tension or disrespect Prophet Muhammad, 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.
