The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, following the alleged stabbing of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, and the subsequent killing of the suspected attacker by worshippers.
The government also constituted a committee of Islamic scholars to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the religious tension surrounding the incident and recommend measures to prevent further escalation.
The directives were announced by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa, who said the mosque would remain closed because it was being treated as a crime scene while investigations continue.
The incident occurred on September 11, shortly after Lukuwa led the Friday Juma’at prayers at the mosque. According to the police, the cleric was attacked with a knife and sustained injuries before worshippers overpowered the alleged attacker.
The suspected attacker was subsequently beaten to death by members of the crowd before security personnel could intervene. Police condemned the killing, describing it as jungle justice, and urged residents to allow the law to take its course.
Lukuwa was taken to hospital for treatment following the attack. Police later said he survived the incident and was discharged after receiving treatment for injuries sustained to his neck and left hand.
The attack reportedly occurred against the backdrop of an earlier religious controversy involving comments attributed to the cleric during a sermon. Some Islamic scholars and followers had reportedly considered the remarks offensive, leading to heightened tensions and alleged threats against Lukuwa.
Reports also indicated that the cleric and his followers had previously raised concerns about threats to his safety and submitted a complaint to the state government before the attack.
Following the latest incident, the Sokoto State Government said the committee of Islamic scholars would examine both the immediate and remote causes of the tensions and advise the government on appropriate measures.
The government also appealed to residents to avoid provocative statements and actions capable of worsening religious tensions or threatening peaceful coexistence in the state.
It further assured residents that security agencies would continue working to protect lives and property while investigations into the incident continue.
The police have equally called on residents to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory actions, stressing that anyone with information relevant to the investigation should provide it to the authorities rather than resort to self-help.
Authorities are expected to use the findings of the government-appointed committee and ongoing police investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and the subsequent killing of the suspected attacker.
