Sokoto government probes attack on cleric, shuts mosque

The state government says the committee will investigate the immediate and remote causes of the religious tensions surrounding the incident.

The Sokoto State Government has constituted a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent attack on Sheikh Musa Lukuwa at a Jumu’at mosque in the Mabera area of the state.

The committee, comprising Islamic scholars, is expected to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the religious tensions surrounding the incident and advise the government on appropriate measures to address the situation.

The Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Sokoto.

According to Bawa, the state government has also ordered the immediate closure of the Sheikh Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque, which is being treated as a crime scene, until further notice.

He said the measure was necessary as the government continued efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent further escalation of tensions.

Government warns against religious provocation

Bawa said the Sokoto State Government dissociated itself from anyone who uses religion as a pretext to undermine or disrespect Prophet Muhammad, his parents, household and companions.

He urged residents to demonstrate love and compassion for the Prophet while refraining from making statements capable of inflaming religious tensions or threatening peaceful coexistence in the state.

The government also assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property across Sokoto State, urging members of the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen the situation.

The development followed an attack on September 11, when Lukuwa was allegedly stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at the mosque.

According to reports, the suspected attacker was among the worshippers at the mosque and allegedly stabbed the cleric twice in the neck before other worshippers overpowered him.

The suspected attacker was subsequently killed by the worshippers at the scene.

The state government’s decision to set up the committee is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the attack and the religious tensions that followed it.

Authorities are also expected to use the committee’s findings to determine appropriate measures for addressing the situation and maintaining peace among residents.

The government called on residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with authorities as investigations into the incident continue.