One killed as rival groups clash over Donga Central Mosque in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent clash between two rival groups over ownership of the Donga Central Mosque in Taraba State has claimed the life of one person and left property destroyed.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening following reports that members of the Izala Jos sect and the Danburam family were planning to forcefully gain access into the disputed mosque in Donga town.
Upon receiving intelligence about the planned confrontation, police authorities immediately summoned both parties and warned them against any act capable of breaching public peace.
In collaboration with other security agencies, personnel were deployed to the mosque to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
However, despite the intervention, both groups reportedly mobilised in large numbers, armed with dane guns, cutlasses and stones, leading to a violent clash.
Security operatives dispersed the rioters using smoke grenades, but not before one person, identified as Biliya Zakari, aged 20, of Asibiti Ward, was killed.
A temporary structure close to the mosque was also destroyed during the unrest.
Authorities said the area is now calm, though additional reinforcements have been requested to maintain peace and order.
