Governor Kefas Releases N300m to Settle Taraba Mosque Dispute
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has released N300 million to resolve a long-standing ownership crisis over the Donga Central Mosque.
The fund is intended to facilitate the construction of new places of worship for different Islamic groups in the area.
The crisis involved a rift among four major Islamic sects: Izala Jos, Izala Kaduna, Darika, and the Muslim Council. These groups had been in a heated dispute over the control and ownership of the central mosque in Donga.
The N300 million was distributed equally, with each of the three major affected sects receiving N100 million.
The government believes that providing separate facilities will permanently douse tensions and prevent future communal clashes.
Presenting the cheques on behalf of the governor, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Godfrey Dame, emphasized the administration’s commitment to peace.
He stated that religious harmony is vital for the state’s development.
The governor had previously visited the community during the peak of the tension to mediate. He promised then that the government would intervene proactively to ensure that no group felt marginalized or excluded from religious activities.
Community leaders in Donga expressed immense gratitude for the gesture, describing it as a “timely intervention.”
They noted that the lack of separate worship spaces had been a major source of friction and insecurity for years.
The move has been hailed by security agencies as a major step toward stabilizing the southern part of Taraba.
By addressing the root cause of the religious friction, the government aims to foster a culture of tolerance among the faithful.
In a final message, the administration urged the beneficiaries to use the funds strictly for the intended purpose. The governor reiterated that his leadership would continue to prioritize equity and justice for all religious and ethnic groups in the state.
