Victims buried according to Islamic rites after gunmen attacked Muslim community shortly after Friday prayers; community sources put death toll at 50, while Amnesty International reports 52 fatalities.
At least 48 people have been killed after suspected bandits attacked Binnari, a Muslim community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, northeastern Nigeria, shortly after Friday congregational prayers, on October 23, 2026.
The death toll continued to rise as more bodies were recovered. While community sources put the number of fatalities at 50, Amnesty International reported 52 deaths. The victims were buried according to Islamic rites, according to the police.
The attack, which occurred at about 3 p.m. on a market day, reportedly left residents fleeing as the gunmen fired indiscriminately, looted shops and set houses and business premises ablaze.
Attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles
A community leader, Malam Abubakar Saifullahi, told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the attackers arrived on approximately 50 motorcycles, with two men on each motorcycle.
He said 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 a nearby river, while other bodies were recovered from surrounding bushes.
One survivor, Isiyaku Musa, told AFP: “People were running in different directions to escape the attack. Nobody knew where it was safe to go.”
Another survivor, Sa’idu Nuhu, said some residents remained missing after the attack.
Death toll rises as bodies are recovered
The Taraba State Police Command initially reported the recovery of 10 bodies, according to its spokesperson, ASP Victor Mshelizah.
However, subsequent reports indicated a sharp increase in the death toll. Daily Trust reported that 51 victims were buried on Saturday, while another body was recovered on Sunday.
Boat operator Jibri Dabo told the newspaper that divers recovered 41 bodies from the river. The varying casualty figures were reported by police, community sources and Amnesty International as recovery efforts continued.
Mother recounts escape with baby
Among the survivors was Adama Rayyanu, a mother who recounted fleeing with her six-month-old baby as residents scrambled to escape the gunmen, according to Daily Trust.
The child was reportedly shot in the foot during the escape but survived, highlighting the danger faced by women and children during the attack.
Amnesty International demands justice
Amnesty International condemned the killings, describing the attack as showing “utter disdain for the sanctity of life.”
The organisation said the community was left littered with dead bodies, some reportedly burned beyond recognition, while families continued searching for missing relatives.
Its Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, told the BBC that rural communities were being left “at the mercy of gunmen that are repeatedly committing atrocities with impunity.”
Amnesty called for an impartial investigation, justice for the victims and reparations for affected families. It also urged authorities to demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting lives and property rather than relying solely on statements condemning attacks.
Governor condemns attack as security agencies deploy reinforcements
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas 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.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Edwin Ogbegaghagha, reportedly 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.
The Taraba State Emergency Management Agency also delivered relief materials to affected residents. Its Executive Secretary, Echuseh Audu, urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives by providing credible information.
Lawmaker, community leaders seek stronger security
The member representing Karim II in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Anas Shuaibu, described the incident as “one attack too many” and appealed to the Plateau State Government to strengthen border security.
“I want to appeal and plead with the Plateau State Government to take drastic measures because the bandits are destroying lives and property in Taraba State,” he said.
Community stakeholder Tanko Bobbo Andemin also called for improved road connections to Karim-Lamido, saying poor access roads could delay security personnel responding to emergencies.
“We call on His Excellency to link Karim Lamido with road network because this thing happens due to lack of access roads, even if the security agents want to come, there is no road,” he said.
Meanwhile, Babangida Ibrahim, commander of the Hunters Association, said police and soldiers responded after an alarm was raised, forcing the attackers to flee.
He urged the government to provide hunters with more sophisticated weapons to help them confront future attacks.
The attack occurred shortly after Juma’ah prayers, and the police said the victims were handed over to their families for burial according to Islamic rites. The perpetrators’ identities and motive had not been conclusively established in the reports cited.
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