Tuesday, September 15, 2026 -The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, following the stabbing of an Islamic cleric, Musa Lukawa, after Friday prayers and the subsequent killing of his alleged attacker by worshippers.
The government also directed 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 came amid heightened religious tension in
parts of the metropolis following the incident involving Lukuwa, who was attacked shortly
after leading the Friday Juma’at prayers at the mosque.
The Sokoto State Police Command said the alleged attacker
used a knife to assault the cleric before worshippers overpowered and beat him
to death.
Police spokesperson, Ahmad Rufa’i, said the command received
a distress call at about 1:50 pm reporting the incident. He said preliminary
investigations indicated that the assailant entered the mosque after the
prayers and attacked Lukuwa. The cleric was subsequently taken to hospital for
treatment.
Lukuwa later appealed for calm, assuring his followers that
he was in stable condition and urging them to avoid retaliation or any action
that could escalate tensions.
Against this backdrop, the state government said it had
ordered the closure of the mosque to enable security agencies to conduct a
thorough investigation.
“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,” Bawa said.
The government also constituted a committee of Islamic
scholars or ulamas to examine the immediate and remote causes of the religious
tensions, and advise it on appropriate measures.
“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 further dissociated itself from anyone who,
under the guise of religion, engages 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 administration also appealed to residents to refrain
from inciting statements capable of worsening the situation. It assured
residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state,
while urging members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue.
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