Stabbing Attack: Sokoto Govt Shuts Musa Lukuma Jumu’at Mosque, Sets Up Ulamas’ Panel

The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Musa Lukuma Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis following a deadly stabbing attack, even as it constituted a committee of Islamic scholars to investigate the remote and immediate causes of recent religious tensions in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa, the government said the mosque has been sealed off as a crime scene pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the attack and killing that occurred there.

“The Government has ordered full investigation into the attack and killing at Musa Lukuma Jumu’at Mosque, Mabera and ordered the closure of the mosque till further notice,” the statement said.

The state government also 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, households and companions.”

It reaffirmed its “total obedience and respect to the personality of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his parents, households and companions” and urged residents to continue to demonstrate love and compassion for the Prophet.

According to the government, the move became necessary following religious tensions that engulfed some parts of the metropolis in recent days.

To address the unrest, Governor’s office said it has set up a committee of Ulamas mandated to “examine the remote and immediate causes of such crisis, and to advise the Government on appropriate measures to be taken in the interest of the state.”

The terms of reference of the committee were not disclosed, but government sources said the panel is expected to submit its findings within the shortest possible time.

The government appealed to citizens to avoid inciting statements capable of jeopardizing the peaceful coexistence for which Sokoto is known.

“People of the state are urged to desist from incitive statements that could jeopardize the peaceful coexistence that Sokoto is known for,” Bawa stated.

He further assured that the administration remains committed to protecting the lives and property of every citizen in the state, regardless of religious or ethnic background.

Security operatives have been deployed around the sealed mosque and other sensitive areas of the metropolis to forestall breakdown of law and order.

As at press time, no arrest had been announced in connection with the stabbing incident at the mosque.