Gunmen reportedly connected to banditry attacked Binnari town in Taraba State, resulting in at least 52 casualties, including women and children. On Saturday, 51 people were buried, with one additional body recovered on Sunday. Amnesty International reported that around 40 people lost their lives during the attack on Friday, with more bodies likely yet to be found.
Despite these figures, Taraba State Police spokesperson ASP Victor Mshelizah claimed that only 10 fatalities occurred. Locals are continuing to search for others missing in the aftermath, with reports that some drowned while trying to escape. Jibri Dabo, a local boat operator, led divers who recovered 41 bodies from the Binnari River, saying many who fled the attack drowned.
The assailants began shooting shortly after Jumm’at prayers, causing sheer panic as residents ran in all directions. Dabo mentioned that the attackers looted shops and firearms were free-flowing for almost three hours before police and soldiers arrived.
Amnesty International condemned the violence, highlighting a failure of the authorities to protect rural communities, which have become easy targets for such attacks. The organisation called for a thorough investigation and urgent action to ensure accountability for the victims.
Residents recounted their harrowing experiences, with Adama Rayyanu, whose six-month-old baby was shot in the foot, struggling to escape. Many others who attended the local market were unprepared for the ambush and lost their lives.
Governor Agbu Kefas has ordered security agencies to take swift action to restore order and hold those responsible accountable. He also pledged to address the underlying security issues and assist displaced residents.
Security experts have blamed a lack of intelligence sharing and insufficient forest surveillance for the recent spike in violence, particularly in the border region of Karim Lamido, which faces threats from armed groups. To prevent future attacks, experts suggest creating a coordinated security framework involving neighbouring states and better community engagement in early warning systems.
