By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Sokoto State Government has dissociated itself from anyone using religion as a cover to disrespect Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his parents, household and companions, while ordering a full investigation into the attack and killing at the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera. The government stated this in a press release dated September 15, 2026, signed by Abubakar Bawa, Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, amid heightened religious tension in parts of the Sokoto metropolis. The government said it had “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 as well as his companions.”

It also reaffirmed its respect for the Prophet, his parents, household and companions, urging residents to continue to demonstrate love and compassion towards him.

“The Government further restates its total obedience and respects to personality of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his parents, households and companions, and urged people of the state to continue to show love and compassion to prophet Muhammad PBUH,” the statement said. The development follows an attack at the Musa Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, where Islamic cleric Sheikh Musa Lukuwa was reportedly stabbed shortly after leading Friday prayers. Police said the alleged attacker was subsequently killed by worshippers. The incident reportedly heightened tension in parts of the metropolis, with protests and disruptions reported in some areas. Responding to the wider tension, the Sokoto Government said it had constituted a committee of Islamic scholars to examine both the immediate and remote causes of the crisis and advise it on appropriate measures. “On the recent religious tensions that engulfed some parts of the metropolis, the state Government has constituted a committee of ulamas to examine the remote and immediate causes of such crisis, and to advise the Government on the appropriate measures to be taken in the interest of the State,” it stated. The government also ordered a full investigation into the attack at the Mabera mosque and directed that the mosque be closed as a crime scene until further notice.

“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 (crime scene) till further notice,” Bawa said. The government appealed to residents to refrain from inflammatory statements capable of worsening tensions, stressing that peaceful coexistence must be protected. “The Government has appealed to people in the state to desist from incitive statements that could jeopardized the peaceful coexistence that Sokoto is known for,” the statement added. It further assured residents that the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state. The government’s action comes as authorities and religious leaders call for restraint following the Mabera mosque incident, which has renewed concerns over the consequences of religious disputes and retaliatory violence in the state.