Taraba mosque leadership clash claims two lives, many injured (photos)

Taraba mosque leadership clash claims two lives, many injured (photos)

Two persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a violent clash between members of Darika and Izala sects over control and commencement of worship at the newly renovated Donga Central Mosque in Taraba State.

The incident, which began on Tuesday, October 28, and escalated into Wednesday, October 29, coincided with the official reopening of the mosque located in Donga town, headquarters of Donga Local Government Area.

Daily Trust gathered that the crisis erupted when members of the two sects disagreed over the timing of Friday prayers at the mosque. While one faction insisted on commencing prayers despite ongoing renovation works, the other maintained that worship should begin only after the completion of the project.

The disagreement quickly degenerated into a heated confrontation, resulting in the death of two individuals and injuries to several others, who are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities in the area.

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Residents of Donga town have since been gripped by fear and anxiety, prompting the deployment of security operatives to restore calm and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Speaking on the development, the acting Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command, DSP Ishaku Victor Mshelizah, said the situation is under control.

“The police are in talks with elders and stakeholders in the community to ensure peace and prevent a recurrence,” he said.

The Donga Central Mosque, which had been in a dilapidated state, is undergoing renovation sponsored by a former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal M.S. Usman (Rtd).

Before the renovation, the mosque was under the administration of Jama’atul Izalatul Bidi’a Wa’Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS). However, following the upgrade, the Gara of Donga reportedly assumed control, asserting his authority to determine its management structure.

Efforts are ongoing to reconcile the warring factions and restore normalcy to the community.

Taraba mosque leadership clash claims two lives, many injured (photos)