A 20-year-old man, Biliya Zakari, has reportedly been killed, and several others injured, during a dispute between two factions of worshippers over the ownership of a mosque in Taraba State.
The young man, from Asibiti Ward, lost his life after clashes erupted following reports that two opposing groups, the Izala Jos sect and the Danburam family, had planned to seize the disputed Donga Central Mosque by force.
The confrontation broke out on Tuesday evening in Donga town after both sides allegedly mobilised heavily armed supporters carrying dane guns, cutlasses, and stones, despite police efforts to prevent violence through peace meetings.
“One of the groups ignored the police’s warning and attempted to gain entry into the mosque, which provoked a counterattack from the opposing side,” a local security source told reporters.
The source added that police and other security operatives intervened to disperse the rioters using smoke grenades to restore calm.
Confirming the incident, a senior police officer, who spoke anonymously, said additional reinforcements had been deployed to the area to forestall further violence.
“The situation is now under control, and our men are on the ground to ensure peace is fully restored,” the officer said.
The state’s command have urged residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could further inflame religious or communal tensions.
