The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis, following the stabbing of Islamic cleric Malam Musa Lukuwa after Friday prayers.

The government also ordered a full investigation into the incident, declaring the mosque a crime scene until further notice.

The development followed an attack on Lukuwa shortly after he led the Juma’at prayer at the mosque. According to the police, the alleged attacker used a knife to assault the cleric before worshippers overpowered him and beat him to death.

Lukuwa was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment. Following the incident, the cleric called for calm and urged his followers not to engage in retaliatory actions that could further escalate tensions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Sokoto State Government House, Abubakar Bawa, the government said the closure was necessary to allow security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

The state government also constituted a committee of Islamic scholars, known as Ulamas, to examine the immediate and underlying causes of the religious tensions and advise the government on measures to address the situation.

The government further appealed to residents to avoid provocative or inciting statements capable of worsening tensions in the state.

It also dissociated itself from individuals who, under the guise of religion, engage in acts it considers disrespectful to Prophet Muhammad, his parents, household and companions.

The administration reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while urging residents to remain calm as investigations into the incident continue.

The mosque will remain closed pending further directives from the state government and the conclusion of the relevant investigations.