By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has stepped in to restore peace in Donga Local Government Area following violent clashes over the ownership of the town’s central mosque that left two people dead and twelve others injured.
The Governor, who personally led a high-powered delegation to Donga on Friday, met with religious and traditional leaders to mediate between the rival Islamic sects involved in the dispute.
In a reconciliatory gesture, Dr. Kefas announced plans to construct three new mosques for each of the sects as a lasting measure to end the recurring conflict.
Quoting from the Holy Qur’an, Governor Kefas reminded the warring factions that “a mosque belongs to Allah, not to any tribe, group, or family.”
He urged the Muslim community in Donga to embrace unity and forgiveness, stressing that “when people fight over a mosque, they lose Allah’s blessings, but when they unite, the mosque becomes a source of mercy for all.”
He directed the sect leaders to submit cost proposals for the construction of their respective mosques and ordered that the disputed central mosque remain closed pending the restoration of normalcy.
Donga Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ezra Voka, confirmed that two lives were lost and twelve others sustained injuries in the fracas.
He added that a curfew has been imposed to contain further unrest and appealed for more security personnel to be deployed to the area.
Commending the Governor’s prompt intervention, the Gara Donga, His Royal Highness Ambassador Sanvala Shimbura Verzoa, described Dr. Kefas’s visit as “timely and appropriate,” affirming that the traditional council stands for peace and fairness among all religious groups.
Also, the Acting Chairman of the Donga Muslim Council, Musa Yusuf, and Treasurer, Malam Usman Rabi’u, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s swift and impartial mediation, noting that the measures would foster peace and unity among Muslims in the area.
In a related development, Donga stakeholders in Abuja, led by Minister of State for Regional Development, Barrister Uba Maigari, commended Governor Kefas during a courtesy visit at the YY Danjuma House in Wukari.
They lauded his quick deployment of security forces and commitment to peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Responding, Governor Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property across Taraba State.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, fairness, and mutual respect,” he said.
“My administration will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every community in Taraba enjoys lasting peace and security.”
