Crime
GRAPHIC PHOTOS: Taraba Mosque dispute between Darika, Izala sects kills two, injures several
A violent clash over control of the Donga Central Mosque in Taraba State has left two people dead and several others injured, following renewed hostilities between the Darika and Izala Muslim sects on Wednesday.
Source told our correspondent that the bloody confrontation erupted after months of simmering tension between the two Islamic groups over who should lead prayers and manage the newly renovated central mosque in Donga town.
According to community source, Yamujeh Usman Baaga, the conflict traced back several months when the Darika sect, which had been worshipping at the central mosque, pulled out to establish a new place of worship near the riverbank in Donga after disagreements with the Izala group.
Trouble reportedly reignited when Hon. Mohammadu Usman Fanya, a local political figure, sponsored the renovation of the Donga Central Mosque. After the renovation, it was agreed that the mosque would serve as the main worship centre for all Muslim faithful in the town. However, disagreement soon followed as both sects claimed leadership of the mosque — each insisting on the right to lead the Friday congregational prayers.
What started as a heated argument on Wednesday morning degenerated into a violent clash, with both sides allegedly wielding dangerous weapons. Two people were confirmed dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The violence prompted security operatives who swiftly moved in to restore order, as the Taraba State Government imposed a 24-hour curfew on Donga town to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of residents.
As of press time, the police spokesperson of the Taraba State Police Command could not be reached for comment, as calls to his line went unanswered. However, security sources confirmed that additional police reinforcements had been deployed to the area.
Residents, who spoke under anonymity, called on religious leaders and traditional authorities to urgently intervene to restore peace, warning that the incident could inflame further sectarian divisions if left unchecked.
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Crime
PHOTOS: “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts: Suspects arrested for alleged thuggery, drug possession – Borno police
The Borno State Police Command has clarified that five suspects arrested in Maiduguri were not prosecuted for wearing “Tinubu Must Go,” T-shirts.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 following public reactions to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
According to the PPRO, the suspects were arrested over allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of drug substances.
The Command distances the arrests and prosecution from political discrimination, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The attention of the Borno State Police Command has been drawn to the viral reports and widespread public discourse concerning the arrest and subsequent prosecution of five suspects in connection with allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and being in possession of drug substance,” the statement read.
“Brief of the Case:On 25 September, 2026, at about 1800hrs, officers of the Command, while on a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout area Maiduguri, apprehended five suspects allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance.
“The suspects were found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one Scissors, two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
“The suspects were subsequently subjected to preliminary investigation, during which statements were obtained from them.
“Upon completion of the initial investigation, the case was charged to court.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The Command remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities.
“The Command further emphasizes that the decision to charge the matter before a competent court is intended to allow the appropriate judicial process to take its course.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it.
“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.”
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The suspects were identified as Zion Danjuma, 20; Looji Augustine, 18; and Isah Mohammed, 23.
The sources said the suspects were subsequently handed over to Keystone B Division, Bukuru, for further investigation and appropriate action.
In a separate operation at about 10:20 a.m. the same day, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Shen village, also in Jos South LGA.
During the operation, the troops arrested a 42-year-old suspect identified as Abdullahi Abdullahi.
The suspect has been profiled by the security forces for further action as investigations continue.
The operations are part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across communities in the Jos South axis.
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