In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Sokoto State Government, Abubakar Bawa, the government said the decision was taken to allow for proper investigation into the attack and to restore calm in the area.
“The government has directed the immediate closure of Musa Lukuwa Juma’at Mosque until further notice. This measure is to enable security agencies and a special committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault,” the statement read.
According to the government, a committee of respected Islamic scholars has been constituted to look into the root cause of the crisis. The committee is expected to submit recommendations to the government on appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence and to ensure peaceful religious activities in the state.
The incident reportedly occurred during Friday prayers last week when an unidentified youth attacked Malam Musa Ayuba Lukuwa with a knife. Details of the cleric’s current condition have not been officially released, but the attack sparked tension among worshippers and residents around the mosque.
In the statement, the state government also distanced itself from any attempt to use religion to insult the personality of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, SAW. It stressed that Sokoto, as a center of Islamic learning, will not tolerate actions that could incite religious tension or threaten public peace.
The government further called on residents of the state to avoid making inflammatory statements that could further escalate the situation.
“We urge the good people of Sokoto State to remain calm, law-abiding, and to continue to live in peace with one another. Anyone found making statements capable of inciting violence or causing disaffection among the people will face the full wrath of the law,” the statement added.
Malam Musa Ayuba Lukuwa is a well-known Islamic scholar in Sokoto State and a follower of the Ahlussunnah Wal Jama’a creed. He is considered one of the outspoken clerics in the state and has often been at the center of debates on sensitive religious issues.
The closure of the mosque has generated mixed reactions from residents, with some supporting the government’s decision as a way to prevent further breakdown of law and order, while others expressed concern over the disruption to Friday congregational prayers.
Security personnel have been deployed around the Musa Lukuwa area to maintain order. The government said it will reopen the mosque once investigations are concluded and adequate measures are put in place to guarantee the safety of worshippers.
The authorities assured that they remain committed to protecting freedom of worship while also ensuring that religious discourse does not degenerate into violence.
