“Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque Will Remain Closed Until Further Notice” — Sokoto Govt Orders Probe After Stabbing, Killing

The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, following a recent attack and killing at the worship centre amid rising religious tension in parts of the state capital.

The government has also constituted a committee of Islamic scholars, known as Ulamas, to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and recommend measures aimed at preventing a recurrence.

The decision was announced on Tuesday in a statement by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa.

According to the government, the mosque has been designated a crime scene and will remain closed until further notice while investigations continue.

The action followed recent religious tensions in parts of Sokoto metropolis, including the reported stabbing of Islamic cleric Malam Musa Lukuwa shortly after he led the Jumu’at prayer at the mosque.

The government said the committee of Islamic scholars would examine the circumstances surrounding the tension and advise it on steps necessary to preserve peace and stability in the state.

It also directed that a full investigation be conducted into the attack and the subsequent killing reported at the mosque.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the state government dissociated itself from any individual, regardless of status or position, who uses religion as a pretext to undermine or disrespect Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his parents, household or companions.

The government reaffirmed what it described as its “total obedience and respect” for the Prophet, his parents, household and companions, while calling on residents to continue to demonstrate love and compassion towards them.

At the same time, the government appealed for restraint and warned residents against making provocative or inciting statements capable of worsening religious tension or undermining the peaceful coexistence for which Sokoto is known.

It urged residents to allow the investigation and the committee’s work to proceed without actions or comments that could further inflame the situation.

The state government also assured residents that it remained committed to protecting the lives and property of every citizen, irrespective of religious or other differences.

The closure of the mosque will remain in force until further notice as the government awaits the outcome of the investigation and recommendations of the Ulamas committee.