The clash in Donga, Taraba State, happened when the newly renovated Donga Central Mosque became a flashpoint between the Darika and Izala Muslim sects.
After the mosque’s renovation funded by local politician Hon. Mohammadu Usman Fanya the Darika group set up a separate prayer site, sparking a fight over who should lead Friday prayers.
On Wednesday, 29 October 2025, the dispute turned violent: the two factions wielded weapons, leaving two people dead, several injured and property damaged.
Witnesses say the tension stemmed from competing claims to the mosque’s leadership and the timing of Friday prayers, and the confrontation quickly escalated into an armed clash.
Security forces stepped in, deploying officers, imposing a 24‑hour curfew, and the Taraba State government pledged to restore peace. Police spokesperson Ishaku Victor Mshelizah said authorities are engaging community elders and stakeholders to address the root causes and prevent a repeat.
The incident highlights how fragile communal dynamics can become, especially when long‑standing sectarian and land‑use issues collide.
Efforts now focus on dialogue, stronger security, rebuilding trust between Darika and Izala, and clarifying how the renovated central mosque should be shared.
