Taraba Governor Kefas brokers peace in Donga over Mosque skirmishes where 2 killed, 12 injured

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By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo

Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas has moved to broker peace in Donga, headquarters of Donga Local Government of the state over ownership of a central Mosque in the town between religious sects with a promise to construct three new mosques for the three Islamic sects involved in the struggle to restore peace and normalcy in the area.

The Governor who made the promise on Friday when he met with prominent religious and traditional leaders in Donga to find lasting solutions to the recent dispute quoted from portions of the Holy Qur’an reminding the warring factions that a mosque belongs to Allah, not to any tribe, group, or family.

He urged Muslims in Donga to reconcile their differences and uphold the spirit of brotherhood, emphasising that true faith is demonstrated through unity and humility, not domination.

“In the sight of Allah, a mosque is not a property for contest, It is a sacred place where all believers stand shoulder to shoulder before the Almighty
and when people fight over a mosque, they lose the blessings of Allah, but when they unite and forgive one another, the mosque becomes a source of mercy for the entire community,” the Governor noted.

Governor Kefas urged leaders of the various sects to educate their followers on the need for peaceful coexistence and
directed leaders of the three sects to submit cost proposals for the construction of new mosques for them to ease tention, ordering the central mosque in contention to remain closed for the moment.

Speaking, Chairman of Donga Local Government Area, Hon. Ezra Voka, reported that two lives were lost and twelve others were injured in the recent clashes over the ownership of the mosque.
adding that a curfew had been imposed to contain the situation and restore order, calling for additional security personnel to be deployed to the area.

The Gara Donga, His Royal Highness Ambassador Sanvala Shimbura Verzoa, commended the Governor for personally visiting Donga to address the crisis.
describing the intervention and temporary measures by the Governor as timely and appropriate for restoring peace.

The Gara maintained that the Donga Traditional Council stands for peace and fairness to all religious sects believing that the mosque belongs to all Muslims, not to any particular sect.

In their remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Muslim Council in Donga, Musa Yusuf, and the Treasurer, Malam Usman Rabi’u, expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his quick intervention adding that the temporary measures by the Governor would go a long way in promoting peace and unity among the Muslim community in Donga.

In a related development, stakeholders of Donga residing in Abuja also commended Governor Kefas for restoring peace in Donga and environ.

Led by the Minister of State Regional Development, Barrister Uba Maigari expressed their gratitude during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Wukari.

The stakeholders said the swift and proactive response to the conflicts between Muslims faithful in the area particularly prompt deployment of security and initiating peace talks restored peace and stability in the area pledging to continue supporting the efforts of the Governor in all ramifications.

Responding, GovernorbKefas reassured the delegation of of the commitment and dedication of his Government to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens, noting that peace remains the foundation for every miningful development.

“Peace is not just absence of conflicts, but the presence of Justice, fairness and mutual respect, my Administration will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every community in Taraba State enjoys lasting peace and Security,” Dr. Kefas noted.