In brief
Gunmen on motorcycles stormed the village of Binnari in Taraba state, killing at least ten residents and looting local shops. Survivors reported the attack lasted four hours and ended with the attackers fleeing. Police recovered ten bodies but warned casualties could rise, with some estimates reaching up to fifty. Amnesty International urged an independent inquiry, highlighting a pattern of insecurity in northern Nigeria.
On Friday afternoon, a convoy of about 50 motorcyclists entered the village of Binnari in the Karim Lamido area of Taraba state and immediately began shooting and looting.
Police arrived after a local distress call and found the remains of at least ten residents with gunshot wounds, though some eyewitnesses estimate the death toll could be up to fifty.
The attackers burned several homes and pilfered cash, food and abandoned motorcycles, then fled before security forces could secure the perimeter.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Victor Mshelizah said officers are still searching the surrounding bush for possible missing persons and that casualties could rise.
Amnesty International’s Nigeria director Isa Sanusi called for an independent investigation, accusing authorities of failing to protect rural communities from repeated gun‑men attacks.
In the wider context, the northeastern region remains a flashpoint for insurgency and criminal activity, with the government’s response repeatedly criticized for lack of timely protection.
You can read more about the latest situation on BBC Africa’s website.
