Gunmen Attack Taraba Community, 50 Feared Dead

The death toll from a suspected bandit attack on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has reportedly risen to 50, according to community accounts, although the police initially confirmed 10 deaths. Gunmen stormed the community on Friday shortly after Jumu’ah prayers, firing weapons, looting homes and food supplies, and setting shops and motorcycles ablaze. The Taraba State Police Command said 10 bodies bearing gunshot wounds had been recovered, with its spokesperson, ASP Victor Mshelizah, confirming that the attackers arrived in large numbers and caused panic among residents. Community members said subsequent searches uncovered 27 additional bodies in nearby bushes and another 13 in a river and surrounding areas, including children. Amnesty International Nigeria separately reported that at least 40 people had been killed, adding that more bodies were being discovered and several residents remained missing.

Residents alleged that the attackers entered Binnari from neighbouring Plateau State with sophisticated weapons and said the community had suffered three attacks by armed groups. Babangida Ibrahim, commander of the Hunters Association, said police and Nigerian Army personnel responded after receiving an alert, forcing the gunmen to flee as security operatives approached. Amnesty International condemned the attack and accused Nigerian authorities of failing to adequately protect rural communities from repeated violence. The organisation called for an impartial investigation, improved security and adequate compensation for survivors and victims’ families, arguing that condemnations alone would not prevent further attacks. The differing casualty figures reported by the police, community members and Amnesty International underline the need for authorities to establish the full extent of the casualties as search efforts continue.

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