The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, following a violent attack on the Imam, Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa, and the subsequent killing of his alleged assailant by worshippers.
The government also ordered a full investigation into the incident, declaring the mosque a crime scene and directing that it remain closed until further notice.
The directives were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa.
The latest development came amid mounting religious tension in parts of the metropolis over controversial remarks attributed to Sheikh Lukuwa during a sermon.
The remarks reportedly provoked anger among some Muslim scholars and their followers, with threats allegedly issued against the cleric before the attack.
The situation escalated on Friday, September 11, when an unidentified worshipper allegedly attacked Lukuwa shortly after the Jumu’at prayer at the Mabera mosque.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed that the cleric was stabbed, while the alleged assailant was subsequently overpowered and killed by worshippers in a mob action. Police said Lukuwa was rushed to hospital for treatment and later discharged.
The attack and subsequent killing triggered fresh tension in parts of the metropolis, with reports of protests and disruptions in some areas. Some businesses reportedly shut their doors as residents became apprehensive about a possible escalation, while security operatives were deployed to strategic locations.
*How crisis started*
The latest violence did not occur in isolation.
Reports indicate that Lukuwa had previously come under criticism over remarks attributed to him during a sermon, which some Islamic scholars and their followers considered offensive.
The remarks reportedly generated considerable anger within sections of the Muslim community and led to threats against the cleric.
A man identified as Dahiru Mai Barewa was allegedly accused of threatening to kill Lukuwa and one of his senior students. He was subsequently arrested and arraigned before a court, with the case reportedly still ongoing.
The tension reportedly intensified to the point that Lukuwa and his followers wrote to the Sokoto State Government shortly before the mosque attack, raising concerns over alleged threats to their lives.
On September 4, a coalition of Islamic groups also weighed in on the controversy.
The coalition, led by Sheikh Abubakar Yagawal, leader of the National Sufi Council of Nigeria and a National Commissioner of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, urged Muslims to reject what he described as blasphemous content while maintaining peace and peaceful coexistence.
The group called on the Federal and Sokoto State governments, as well as security agencies, to investigate the matter and take appropriate action through lawful means.
*Govt constitutes Ulamas’ committee*
Against the backdrop of the escalating tension, the Sokoto State Government said it had constituted a committee of Ulamas to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the crisis and advise it on appropriate measures to address the situation.
According to the government, the committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the tensions and recommend measures capable of preventing further escalation and restoring lasting peace.
*Mosque remains closed*
On the attack at the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque, the government said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine appropriate action.
It consequently declared the mosque a crime scene and directed that it remain closed “till further notice.”
While the police had earlier confirmed the death of the alleged attacker following the mob action, the state government did not disclose further details of the investigation or announce any arrests in connection with the violence.
*Govt warns against inflammatory statements*
The state government appealed to religious leaders, youths and other residents to exercise restraint and refrain from making statements capable of inflaming passions.
It warned that inflammatory utterances could jeopardise the peaceful coexistence for which Sokoto State is known.
The government urged residents to allow the authorities to investigate the crisis and address grievances through lawful channels rather than resorting to violence, retaliation or mob action.
It assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and preventing further escalation.
“The Government has assured of its commitment to protecting the lives and property of every citizen in the state,” Bawa said.