Residents of Binnari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State have reported that more than 50 people were killed and buried following a deadly attack by armed men on the community last Friday.
The attack reportedly occurred shortly after Muslim worshippers observed Friday prayers, when the gunmen stormed the community, opened fire on residents and traders, looted shops and homes, and set motorcycles and other property ablaze. The incident triggered widespread panic as people fled in different directions to escape the attackers.
According to reports by Daily Trust, residents said 51 victims were buried on Saturday, while another body was recovered on Sunday, bringing the reported death toll to 52. However, the exact number of casualties remains disputed, with different figures emerging from residents, security authorities and human rights organisations.
A resident who spoke to the BBC Hausa service described the attack as unprecedented in its scale, saying the community had never experienced such violence and panic. He alleged that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and surrounded the local market before opening fire on people who had gathered to trade.
Other residents said the gunmen attacked from different directions, leaving traders and visitors scrambling for safety. Some people reportedly ran towards a nearby river and drowned while attempting to escape, while others were killed by gunfire or found dead in surrounding bushes.
A local boat operator, Jibri Dabo, told Daily Trust that he participated in efforts to recover bodies from the river. He said many victims had entered the water while fleeing the attackers, adding that some of those affected were traders and visitors from neighbouring states who had travelled to Binnari for the market.
Another resident, Bello Lawal, said the community was still searching for missing people and feared the number of casualties could rise. He described the incident as particularly devastating because many of those who attended the market were caught off guard by the violence.
The Taraba State Police Command initially confirmed that 10 bodies bearing gunshot wounds had been recovered after the attack. Police spokesperson ASP Victor Mshelizah subsequently said the death toll had risen to 48 following the recovery of 23 additional bodies on Sunday. The police figure differs from the higher casualty estimates provided by residents.
Amnesty International Nigeria separately reported that at least 40 people had been killed and called for an impartial investigation into the incident. The organisation also urged the authorities to improve security in vulnerable rural communities and ensure that those responsible for the killings were brought to justice.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas condemned the attack and directed security agencies to take urgent steps to restore calm, protect residents and apprehend the perpetrators. He also pledged support for displaced people and renewed efforts to restore peace in Karim-Lamido.
Meanwhile, the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency has conducted an assessment of the affected community and distributed relief materials, including food, mattresses, blankets and other essential supplies, to assist families affected by the violence.
The killings have renewed concerns about the security of communities in remote parts of Taraba State, particularly areas bordering neighbouring states where difficult terrain and limited road access can complicate security operations.
Residents have called for stronger security deployments, improved access roads and more effective surveillance to prevent further attacks. They are also demanding justice for the victims and urgent measures to ensure that families can return to their homes without fear of renewed violence.
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