RismadarVoice Reporters
September 15, 2026
The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Sheikh Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in the Mabera area following an attack on a cleric and has constituted a panel to investigate the incident.
The government said the committee, comprising Islamic scholars, would investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the religious tensions surrounding the incident and recommend measures to prevent further escalation.
The Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa, disclosed this in a statement issued in Sokoto on Monday.
According to Bawa, the mosque would remain closed indefinitely as it is being treated as a crime scene while investigations continue.
The state government also distanced itself from individuals who use religion as a justification to disrespect or undermine Prophet Muhammad, his parents, household and companions.
It urged residents to demonstrate love and respect for the Prophet and avoid inflammatory comments capable of threatening peaceful coexistence in the state.
The government further assured residents that it remained committed to protecting lives and property.
The development followed an incident on September 11 in which Sheikh Lukuwa was reportedly attacked shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at the mosque.
The suspected attacker, said to be among the worshippers, allegedly stabbed the cleric twice in the neck before other worshippers overpowered him and reportedly killed him.
