Sokoto govt shuts mosque, orders probe into attack

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By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

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SOKOTO — The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis following an alleged attack on the cleric shortly after Friday prayers.

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The government also ordered a full-scale investigation into the attack and the subsequent killing of the suspected assailant, warning that no individual or group should take the law into its own hands under any religious pretext.

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The directives were contained in a statement issued by the state government amid heightened religious tension following the incident.

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The government said it had constituted a committee of Islamic scholars, Ulamas, to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the recent tensions in parts of the metropolis and advise it on appropriate measures to prevent further escalation.

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It said: “The Sokoto State Government has 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, his household and his companions.”

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The government reaffirmed its respect for Prophet Muhammad, his parents, household and companions, while urging residents to continue to promote peace, love and compassion.

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On the recent tensions, the statement said: “The State Government has constituted a committee of Ulamas to examine the remote and immediate causes of such crisis and advise the Government on the appropriate measures to be taken in the interest of the State.”

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It further directed security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and killing at the mosque.

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“Furthermore, the Government has ordered the full investigation into the attack and killing at Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque, Mabera, and ordered the closure of the mosque, being the crime scene, till further notice,” it said.

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The government said the mosque would remain closed to preserve the scene and facilitate the investigation into the incident.

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Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa was reportedly attacked shortly after Friday prayers, while the alleged assailant was subsequently killed.

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The government urged residents to refrain from making inflammatory or inciting statements capable of undermining peaceful coexistence in the state.

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It also assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that any grievances arising from religious disagreements must be addressed through lawful channels.

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The latest measures are aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the attack, the killing of the suspected assailant and subsequent events, while preventing further escalation of the tension.

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