One person has been confirmed dead following a violent confrontation between two rival groups over the ownership of the Donga Central Mosque in Taraba State.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the incident on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, noting that the clash occurred on Tuesday evening after tensions escalated between members of the Izala Jos sect and the Danburam family, both of whom laid claim to the mosque.
According to reports, police authorities had earlier invited the two factions for a peace meeting after receiving intelligence about a planned confrontation. They were warned against actions that could threaten public peace.
Despite the caution and the deployment of security operatives to the area, both groups later mobilised in large numbers, armed with dane guns, cutlasses, and stones, sparking a violent clash.
The police and other security agencies dispersed the rioters using smoke grenades, but one person, identified as Biliya Zakari of Asibiti Ward, was killed in the process.
A temporary structure near the mosque was also destroyed during the disturbance.
Authorities say calm has since been restored to the area while investigations are ongoing to prevent a recurrence.