Sokoto shuts mosque after cleric stabbing and mob killing

The Sokoto State Government has ordered the immediate closure of a mosque in Sokoto metropolis and launched a full investigation following the stabbing of an Islamic cleric and the subsequent killing of his alleged attacker by worshippers. The directives, announced on Tuesday, September 16, 2026, come amid heightened religious tension in the area. The incident occurred on Friday, September 11, at the Lukuwa Jumuat Mosque in the Mabera area. According to the Sokoto State Police Command, the alleged attacker used a knife to assault the cleric, Musa Lukawa, shortly after he led Friday prayers. Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai stated that worshippers overpowered the assailant and beat him to death. The cleric was taken to a hospital for treatment and later appealed for calm, assuring his followers he was in stable condition and urging them to avoid retaliation. In response, the state government declared the mosque a crime scene and ordered its closure until further notice to facilitate a thorough investigation.