One dead as rival groups claim ownership of Central Mosque in Taraba

At least one person has been confirmed dead following a violent clash between two rival groups over ownership of the Donga Central Mosque in Taraba State.

Security expert, Zagazola Makama disclosed this on X on Wednesday.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday evening, followed 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.

Quoting sources, the security expert said that upon receiving intelligence about the planned confrontation, police authorities immediately summoned both parties .

He said the police warned the groups against any act capable of breaching public peace.

Operatives of the state command, in collaboration with other security agencies, were subsequently 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.

Although the security operatives dispersed the rioters using smoke grenades, one person, identified as Biliya Zakari of Asibiti Ward, was killed.

A temporary structure close to the mosque was also destroyed during the unrest.