Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has temporarily closed down a disputed Jumma’at Mosque that claimed two lives and left several others injured in Donga local government of the state.
The governor gave the directive weekend during an expanded peace meeting with traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, community leaders, youth groups and representatives from the various Muslim sects in the area.
The meeting was held at the Palace of Gara Donga, the traditional ruler of Donga town.
Governor Kefas, who was out of the state for official engagements when the incident occurred, reiterated the commitment of his administration to promoting unity, fairness, and peaceful coexistence among all religious groups in the state.
He said the meeting became imperative to address the lingering dispute among the Muslim groups in the area.
“The Traditional Council’s Mosque will remain closed temporarily until the government constructs three new mosques, one each for the Izala-Jos, Izala-Kaduna, and Darika sects.
“This is to ensure fairness, peace, and freedom of worship for all groups. And let me assure you that our Christian brothers under CAN will not be forgotten in the spirit of balance and mutual respect,” the governor said.
Governor Kefas further stated that his administration was determined to prevent incidences that will put the state in bad light, and that it will not condone any acts that will disrupt the peace and development of the state.
“No faith teaches hatred. Religion is meant to draw us closer to God and to one another and not to divide us. As your governor, I am committed to justice, and justice is what gives peace its foundation.”
He, thereforem lamented the divisions that had emerged within the Muslim community in Donga and urged all parties to embrace peace and forgiveness.
He remarked that, “peace is more valuable than anything, without peace, there can be no progress, no development, and no unity. Let us guard it with love, patience, and understanding,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Council, Malam Musa commended the governor for his fairness and understanding, describing the decision as “a step guided by wisdom.”
Malam Rabiu, the Imam of Darika; Malam Sabo, Imam of Izala-Jos, and Malam Ma’awiyya, chairman of the Council of Scholars of Izala-Kaduna, all thanked the governor for the intervention and assured of their commitment to peace and stability in the state.
The Gara Donga also thanked the governor for prioritising dialogue over division, reaffirming the traditional council’s commitment to maintaining peace in Donga and beyond.
The meeting concluded with a joint prayer session, where both Muslim and Christian representatives prayed for divine guidance and continued peace across Taraba State.
