The death toll from a suspected bandit attack on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has risen to 50, according to community accounts, days after police initially confirmed 10 fatalities.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community on Friday shortly after Jumu’ah prayers, opening fire on residents, looting homes and shops, and setting motorcycles and other property ablaze.
The Taraba State Police Command had initially confirmed that 10 bodies bearing gunshot wounds were recovered from the scene. Police spokesperson, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the attackers were large in number and arrived with heavy weapons, causing residents to flee.
However, subsequent searches by members of the community reportedly uncovered additional bodies in surrounding bushes and a nearby river. Community sources said 27 more bodies were recovered from the bushes, while another 13, mostly children, were found in and around the river.
Amnesty International Nigeria separately reported that at least 40 people were killed in the attack, with more people still missing. The differing figures could not immediately be independently reconciled.
Residents also alleged that the attackers entered the community from neighbouring Plateau State and that Binnari had suffered previous attacks.
Security personnel, including police and Nigerian Army operatives, reportedly responded after receiving distress calls, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Amnesty International has called for an impartial investigation into the incident and urged the government to strengthen security in rural communities and ensure justice for victims.
The attack has renewed concerns over the security of vulnerable communities in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target rural settlements.