Zamfara Juma’at Mosque Reopens After Seven Years

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has ordered the reopening of one of the state’s largest Juma’at mosques in Moriki town, Zurmi Local Government Area.

A dispute between two factional groups, according to reports, led to the closure of the central worship centre also popularly called Friday mosque in the town.

A statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, said the intervention was necessary to address the dispute among the people.

Idris said the governor recognises that unity is crucial in fostering social harmony and promoting sustainable development, “especially in these trying times in the state.“

The statement read, “Yesterday, the Zamfara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, resolved the seven-year-old dispute that resulted in the closure of one of the largest Friday mosques in Moriki town, Zurmi Local Government Area.

“Government deemed it necessary to intervene and take measures to mitigate any factors contributing to disunity among the people.”

The statement noted that Lawal “directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to construct a new mosque for the other party in the dispute,” adding that the new mosque is “expected to be completed in three months.”

The governor’s spokesperson noted that “both parties have agreed to comply with the terms of the agreement. The Friday prayer last Friday was led by Sheikh Abbas Moriki, whose sermon centred around unity among people.”

In his remarks, the Emir of Moriki, Bashar Muhammad, extended his gratitude to God for witnessing the reopening.

“He also commended the state government for its timely intervention in resolving the dispute,” the statement added.

It was report that the former Chief Imam of Gusau GRA Jumuat Mosque, Zamfara State, Tukur Jangeme, fled the state following his resignation in November.

Jangeme resigned from his position as Chief Imam following a video clip that went viral where he was seen condemning incumbent governor, Dauda Lawal, and praising his predecessor, Bello Matawale.

Jangeme said, “I am not in Zamfara State at the moment. I decided to leave the state for security reasons and also to let the matter die down naturally.”

“You are aware that some people are not happy with what I have said in that video clip, as such, I decided to resign from my position as Chief Imam and also leave the state.”

The cleric, however, refused to disclose his location and speak further.