Gunmen kill 30, burn homes in Taraba attack

About 30 people have reportedly been killed after suspected bandits attacked Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, burning houses and destroying food crops.

The attack, which occurred shortly after Friday’s Juma’at prayers on October 23, reportedly claimed the lives of children and elderly residents, while several others fled their homes for safety.

However, the Taraba State Police Command said security operatives had recovered 10 bodies as of Friday evening, while residents reported that more bodies were discovered on Saturday morning.

Some residents also expressed fears that several people remained missing after the attack.

Local sources told LEADERSHIP Sunday that the attackers might have entered the community from neighbouring Plateau State, although the claim and the identities of the assailants had not been independently verified.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said preliminary findings indicated that the attackers initially targeted food items and other valuables.

“From the preliminary report, it was revealed that the people initially came to steal food stuff and other valuables,” he said.

Mshelizah said 10 bodies had been recovered as of Friday evening, adding that the identities of the attackers had yet to be established.

He assured residents that security operatives would intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the state.

The attack has left residents mourning their relatives and grappling with the destruction of homes and food supplies, further worsening the hardship faced by affected households.

The incident has also renewed concerns over the vulnerability of rural communities in Karim Lamido and other parts of Taraba State to armed attacks, with residents calling for stronger security measures to prevent further violence.