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 declared the mosque a crime scene and ordered that it remain closed until further notice while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The cleric was reportedly attacked shortly after leading Friday prayers at the mosque. A young man among the worshippers allegedly stabbed Lukuwa twice in the neck before other worshippers overpowered him and killed him.
Police said Lukuwa survived the attack and was rushed to Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, where he received treatment for injuries to his neck and left hand. He was later discharged from the hospital.
The incident reportedly heightened tension in parts of Sokoto metropolis, including Sahara, Bello Way and Aliyu Jodi. Some businesses temporarily closed as security operatives were deployed to strategic locations to prevent further violence.
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The development came amid existing religious tensions in the state following protests over the continued remand of Islamic cleric Dahiru Mai Barewa, who 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 a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa, the state government said it would not allow religion to be used as a cover for creating tension or disrespecting Prophet Muhammad, his parents, household and companions.
The government also established a committee of Islamic scholars to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the recent religious tensions and recommend measures to prevent further escalation.
Residents were urged to avoid provocative or inflammatory statements that could worsen the situation, while the government assured the public that security agencies would continue to protect lives and property.
The mosque is expected to remain closed as investigations continue and authorities work to restore calm and religious harmony in the state.
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