Gunmen Kill at Least 10 Villagers and Loot Shops in North-East Nigeria

At least 10 people have been killed after armed men raided the village of Binnari in Nigeria’s north-eastern Taraba State, looting shops and setting houses ablaze, according to police.

Authorities fear the death toll could rise as rescue and search efforts continue. Eyewitnesses have reported at least 20 deaths, while Amnesty International says information gathered from bereaved families suggests as many as 50 people may have been killed.

The attack reportedly took place on Friday in the Karim Lamido area, shortly after midday Muslim prayers. According to accounts from residents, the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and carried out a rampage that lasted for up to four hours.

Police said officers responded to a distress call and recovered 10 bodies with gunshot wounds. By the time they arrived, the attackers had fled the area.

Authorities said security personnel continued patrolling the community to restore calm and were searching nearby bushes for additional victims who may have been killed or injured.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Victor Mshelizah said officers had managed to disperse the attackers but acknowledged the challenges posed by the difficult terrain.

He explained that the gunmen were familiar with the area, making the security operation more difficult. Police reported no casualties among the attackers or responding officers during the encounter.

Officials warned that the confirmed death toll could increase as searches continue and more information becomes available.

Residents describe a devastating attack

Community leader Malam Abubakar Saifullahi told the AFP news agency that the attackers arrived on approximately 50 motorcycles, with two men riding on each motorcycle.

He said the gunmen looted shops, taking cash, food supplies and other provisions. They also reportedly seized motorcycles abandoned by residents fleeing the violence.

Survivors described scenes of panic as villagers tried to escape the attack and find places where they would be safe.

Binnari resident Isiyaku Musa said people ran in different directions, unsure where they could find protection.

Another survivor, Sa’idu Nuhu, said some residents were still missing following the raid.

Accounts from survivors suggest that the number of people killed could be significantly higher than the initial figure announced by police. However, the full extent of the casualties remains unclear as authorities continue their search.

Amnesty International demands investigation

Amnesty International has criticised the authorities over their failure to protect rural communities from repeated attacks by armed groups.

The organisation’s Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, told BBC News that it had spoken to bereaved families who reported that up to 50 people had died.

Sanusi said an initial funeral had involved 37 people, raising further concerns about the possible scale of the killings.

He called for an impartial investigation into the attack and urged the authorities to take stronger action to protect vulnerable communities.

The organisation accused officials of leaving rural residents exposed to armed groups that repeatedly carry out violent attacks without adequate accountability.

The reported death toll has not been independently established, and police have so far confirmed the recovery of 10 bodies.

Nigeria faces persistent insecurity

The attack adds to Nigeria’s continuing security challenges, with armed groups carrying out violence in several parts of the country, including the north-west, north-east and central regions.

The country has also endured a jihadist insurgency in the north-east for nearly two decades, contributing to widespread displacement, civilian deaths and continuing concerns about public safety.

Attacks on rural communities have raised questions about the ability of security forces to respond quickly to threats in remote areas, where difficult terrain and limited access can complicate operations.

The latest incident in Taraba State has renewed calls for stronger protection for villagers, improved security responses and accountability for those responsible for attacks on civilians.

For residents of Binnari, the immediate concerns remain the search for missing people, the recovery of victims and the restoration of safety following the deadly raid.

Police say investigations and search operations are continuing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the attack and determine the final number of casualties.