Sultan Bello Mosque: Acting Imam’s Residence Attacked

Suspected hoodlums on Friday attacked the residence of the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam ( JNI) and interim imam of the Sultan Bello mosque, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Daily Trust on Sunday gathered.

The attack occurred shortly after a dispute over who should be the imam disrupted Juma’at prayers at the mosque. Our correspondent reports that the attack prompted the drafting of policemen to the house.

Speaking with Daily Trust on Sunday yesterday, Dr. Khalid said following the attack, his family had to move to a neighbour’s house.

He said: “My family was attacked on Friday by hoodlums I believe were sent by Dr. Ahmed Gumi. I am thankful to Allah that nothing happened to them and for the timely intervention of the police.

“I did not appoint myself as the interim imam; I was appointed by the authorities in-charge of that duty which are the Sultan of Sokoto and the Emir of Zazzau and I am only obeying their orders.

“The surprising thing is that my appointment as imam is like asking a General to come down to the rank of Captain to bring peace to a certain situation, it is not a privilege.”

He called on the government to look into the matter, just as he called on Muslim faithful not to take laws into their hands and always follow the teachings of the Qu’ran and Hadith.

When contacted, the spokesman of Dr. Ahmad Gumi, Tukur Mamu said “If Dr. Khalid is alleging that Gumi sent people to attack his house, he should present his proof. This issue is not worth replying because it is not related in any way, why should it be assumed that just because worshipers at Sultan Bello mosque resisted the imposition of Dr. Khalid that they are the same people that attacked Dr. Khalid’s house, there have been security personnel in front of his house since Thursday.”

On his part, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Aliyu Usman, said the command had arrested 14 suspects over the attempt to disrupt Friday prayer at the mosque.