A leadership tussle over the Imam position at Donga Central Mosque in Taraba State turned d€adly, leaving two people d€ad and others injured.
Security forces have restored calm as investigations continue.
A leadership dispute over the position of Imam at the Central Mosque in Donga, Taraba State, has left at least two people d€ad and several others injured. The v!olent clash, which erupted on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, also resulted in the destruction of properties within the area.
According to eyewitnesses, the crisis began after a disagreement broke out within the Muslim community over who should assume leadership of the Central Mosque. The mosque, located directly in front of the palace of the Paramount ruler of Donga Chiefdom, has reportedly been at the centre of a long-standing rivalry between two factions vying for control.
Sources told journalists that the tension, which had been building for weeks, reached its peak on Tuesday when both groups attempted to install their preferred candidates as Imam during prayer hours. Heated arguments quickly escalated into physical v!olence, with weapons allegedly used by both sides.
Residents described the scene as chaotic, with people running for safety as the confrontation intensified. Shops and nearby buildings were damaged in the fracas. “It all started suddenly. Before we knew it, people were throwing stones and using sticks. Many were injured,” a resident said.
Security operatives, including soldiers and police officers, were later deployed to the area to bring the situation under control. The presence of the security teams helped to restore calm, though fear and tension still linger among residents.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the number of casualties or arrests made. However, community leaders have appealed for peace and urged both factions to allow dialogue to resolve the leadership dispute.
The Donga Central Mosque remains closed as investigations continue into the cause of the unrest, while security personnel maintain patrols around the area to prevent further v!olence.
