A devastating attack on a Muslim community in Taraba State, Nigeria, has left dozens dead. The attack occurred on October 23, 2026, shortly after Friday congregational prayers in Binnari, a community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area. Gunmen arrived on approximately 50 motorcycles, with two men on each motorcycle, and fired indiscriminately, looting shops and setting houses and business premises ablaze. The attackers reportedly targeted residents fleeing the scene, with some attempting to escape through a nearby river.
The death toll from the attack has been reported as 50 by community sources, while Amnesty International has confirmed 52 fatalities. The victims were buried according to Islamic rites, with 51 victims buried on Saturday and another body recovered on Sunday. A boat operator reported that divers recovered 41 bodies from the river. The varying casualty figures have been reported by police, community sources, and Amnesty International as recovery efforts continue.
A community leader, Malam Abubakar Saifullahi, described the attack, stating that the gunmen looted shops, taking cash, foodstuffs, and other provisions, and seized motorcycles abandoned by fleeing residents. Some residents reportedly drowned while attempting to escape through the nearby river, while other bodies were recovered from surrounding bushes. The attack has left the community in shock, with many residents still searching for missing relatives.
Amnesty International has condemned the killings, describing the attack as showing "utter disdain for the sanctity of life." The organization has called for an impartial investigation, justice for the victims, and reparations for affected families. Amnesty International's Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, stated that rural communities were being left "at the mercy of gunmen that are repeatedly committing atrocities with impunity."
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has condemned the attack and called on security agencies to restore calm, protect lives and property, and bring those responsible to justice. The governor's position was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello. The Commissioner of Police, CP Edwin Ogbegaghagha, has placed additional personnel on red alert and deployed reinforcement teams comprising police tactical units, Police Mobile Force personnel, conventional police officers, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies.
Community leaders and stakeholders have called for stronger security measures to prevent future attacks. The member representing Karim II in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Anas Shuaibu, has appealed to the Plateau State Government to strengthen border security. Community stakeholder Tanko Bobbo Andemin has called for improved road connections to Karim-Lamido, stating that poor access roads could delay security personnel responding to emergencies.
The attack has left many residents still searching for missing relatives, with some survivors recounting their escape from the gunmen. A mother, Adama Rayyanu, recounted fleeing with her six-month-old baby as residents scrambled to escape the gunmen. The child was reportedly shot in the foot during the escape but survived, highlighting the danger faced by women and children during the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Taraba State and the need for urgent action to protect lives and property.
Key points
- 52 fatalities reported in Taraba State attack
- Amnesty International calls for impartial investigation and justice
- Community leaders demand stronger security measures to prevent future attacks
