The Sokoto State Government has constituted a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent attack at Sheikh Musa Lukuwa 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 recommend appropriate measures to prevent further escalation.
The Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Sokoto.
Bawa said the state government had also ordered the immediate closure of the mosque, which is being treated as a crime scene, pending further notice.
He said the government dissociated itself from anyone using religion as a pretext to undermine or disrespect Prophet Muhammad, his parents, household or companions.
The government urged residents to demonstrate love and compassion for the Prophet while refraining from making inflammatory statements capable of threatening peaceful coexistence in the state.
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It also assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property.
The development followed an attack on September 11, when Lukuwa was reportedly stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer at the mosque.
The suspected attacker, who was said to be among the worshippers, allegedly stabbed the cleric twice in the neck before other worshippers overpowered and killed him.
