At least 40 people have reportedly been killed following an attack by suspected armed bandits on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, with residents alleging that the attackers operated for several hours before security personnel arrived.
The attack occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, shortly after Muslim congregational prayers. Gunmen reportedly stormed the community on motorcycles, opened fire on residents, looted shops and set buildings and food supplies ablaze.
Although emerging reports put the death toll at 42, the figure has not been independently confirmed. Amnesty International reported that at least 40 people had been killed, while the Taraba State Police Command initially confirmed the recovery of 10 bodies.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers operated for approximately four hours, forcing traders and residents to flee as gunfire spread through the community.
A community leader, Malam Abubakar Saifullahi, told journalists that the assailants arrived on approximately 50 motorcycles, carrying two men each.
He said the attackers looted shops, stole cash and food supplies, and took motorcycles abandoned by residents fleeing the violence.
Survivors described widespread panic as families struggled to find safety. Some residents reportedly remained missing after the attack, raising concerns that the casualty figure could increase.
Amnesty International said its findings indicated a substantially higher death toll than the initial police figure. The organisation reported that 37 people were buried during an initial funeral and called for an independent investigation into the killings.
The rights organisation also criticised what it described as the authorities' failure to adequately protect vulnerable rural communities from repeated attacks.
Residents alleged that distress calls were made while the violence was ongoing but that security assistance arrived too late to prevent the killings and destruction.
However, the Taraba State Police Command said officers were mobilised after receiving information about the attack.
Police spokesperson ASP Victor Mshelizah confirmed that 10 bodies bearing gunshot wounds had initially been recovered and handed over to their families for burial.
He said additional security personnel, including police tactical units, mobile police officers and military personnel, had been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks.
The Commissioner of Police, Edwin Ogbegaghagha, also directed security operatives to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The identities of the attackers and their motives have not been conclusively established.
The violence has left residents mourning relatives, searching for missing family members and assessing the destruction of homes, businesses and food supplies.
The incident has renewed concerns about security coverage and emergency response in rural communities, particularly where residents report prolonged attacks before the arrival of reinforcements.
Amnesty International has called for accountability, protection for affected communities and assistance for survivors.
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