The Sokoto State Government has ordered a full investigation into the attack and killing at the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, while directing the closure of the mosque until further notice.
The government also dissociated itself from anyone who uses religion as a pretext to disrespect Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his parents, household and companions.
In a statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, on Tuesday, the government reaffirmed its respect and obedience to the personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), urging residents to continue to demonstrate love and compassion towards him.
The government said a committee of Islamic scholars, or Ulama, had been constituted to examine the immediate and remote causes of the recent religious tensions in parts of Sokoto metropolis.
According to the statement, the committee is expected to advise the government on appropriate measures to prevent further escalation and protect peace in the state.
The government further appealed to residents to refrain from making provocative or inflammatory statements capable of undermining the peaceful coexistence for which Sokoto is known.
It assured residents that it remained committed to protecting the lives and property of all citizens in the state.
The government’s statement followed recent religious tensions in parts of the Sokoto metropolis, including the reported attack at the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera.
The mosque, the government said, would remain closed as a crime scene pending further developments from the investigation.
