By Kazeem Abdulkareem
The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, as it moved to prevent renewed tension over an attack on the cleric and the subsequent killing of the suspected assailant.
The government, which ordered a full investigation into the incident, said the mosque would remain closed because it was the scene of the alleged attack and killing.
It also warned residents against taking the law into their own hands or making inflammatory statements capable of aggravating the religious tension that followed the incident.
The measures were announced against the backdrop of heightened concern over the circumstances surrounding the reported attack on Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa shortly after Friday prayers and the killing of the suspected attacker.
In a statement, the state government said it had ordered authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into both the attack and the subsequent killing.
“Furthermore, the Government has ordered the full investigation into the attack and killing at Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque, Mabera, and ordered the closure of the mosque, being the crime scene, till further notice,” it stated.
The government also constituted a committee of Islamic scholars, Ulamas, to investigate the wider religious tension in parts of the metropolis and recommend measures to prevent further escalation.
“On the recent religious tensions that engulfed some parts of the metropolis, the State Government has constituted a committee of Ulamas to examine the remote and immediate causes of such crisis and advise the Government on the appropriate measures to be taken in the interest of the State,” the statement said.
While reaffirming its respect for Islam and Prophet Muhammad, the government warned against using religion as a justification for actions capable of threatening public peace.
“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, his household and his companions,” it said.
It added that the government remained committed to respecting the Prophet and urged residents to demonstrate love and compassion rather than resort to confrontation.
The administration, however, cautioned against provocative statements capable of worsening the situation.
“The Government has appealed to people in the state to desist from inciting statements that could jeopardise the peaceful coexistence that Sokoto is known for,” the statement warned.
The government assured residents that it would protect lives and property while ensuring that those responsible for the incident were subjected to due process.
“The Government has assured of its commitment to protecting the lives and property of every citizen in the state,” it added.
The closure of the mosque and the separate investigation by the Ulama committee signal a two-track response by the state government: preserving evidence surrounding the immediate incident while examining the wider factors that triggered the religious tension.
The government said the measures were necessary to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the attack and killing were established through lawful investigation rather than competing narratives, reprisals or mob action.
