Two persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a violent clash between members of the Darika and Izala sects in Donga town, headquarters of Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The two-day crisis, which erupted over control and commencement of worship at the newly renovated Donga Central Mosque, threw the quiet community into panic.
The incident began on Tuesday, 28th October, 2025, during the mosque’s official reopening ceremony and spilled into Wednesday, leaving many hospitalised with varying degrees of injuries.
Elanza gathered that the clash started after a disagreement on when to begin Friday prayers (Ibada) in the mosque.
An eyewitness said, “One faction insisted on starting prayers immediately, even though renovation work was yet to be completed, while the other group argued that prayers should commence only after full completion.”
The disagreement soon degenerated into a bloody confrontation, leading to the deaths of two persons and injuries to several others.
As of the time of filing this report, tension and fear have gripped residents, prompting the deployment of security operatives to prevent further violence.
The Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Command, Ishaku Victor Mshelizah, confirmed the incident, saying the area was under close surveillance.
“In response to the Donga Central Mosque dispute, be informed that the situation is currently under control and the area is relatively calm,” he said.
According to him, the police are engaging elders and stakeholders to restore peace and prevent a recurrence.
The Donga Central Mosque, which had long been in a dilapidated condition, was recently renovated by a former Chief of Defence Intelligence, AVM M.S. Usman (Rtd).
Before the renovation, the mosque was administered by Jama’atul Izalatul Bidi’a Wa’Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS). However, following the completion of the project, the Gara of Donga took over, claiming traditional authority to determine who oversees the place of worship.
Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been buried, while those injured are receiving treatment at a local hospital in Donga.
