At least 62 people have died in a gunmen attack on Binnari community in Taraba State. Authorities are still recovering bodies and searching for missing residents.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, October 23. The Associated Press published its report on Tuesday, October 27. According to the report, 52 people also sustained injuries. Thousands of residents fled their homes following the violence.
Ladan Ayuba, the state head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), provided details about the casualties and displacement.
The latest death toll exceeds earlier reports, which recorded 50 deaths. Residents and security personnel have continued searching for victims.
However, authorities have yet to establish the final number of people killed. Recovery operations remain ongoing.
Taraba Attack Kills 62 in Binnari Community
Authorities have recovered 52 bodies so far. According to the Associated Press, 15 were recovered from the Benue River.
Police have warned that the death toll could rise. Search teams are still working to locate other victims.
Taraba State police spokesperson Victor Mshelizah confirmed that officers remain at the scene. They are monitoring recovery efforts and documenting additional casualties.
Amnesty International Nigeria director Isa Sanusi also described residents’ attempts to escape the attackers. Some reportedly fled towards the river while seeking safety. Others entered the water during their escape.
The attack has left many families searching for missing relatives. Survivors must also cope with the loss of loved ones and their homes.
Meanwhile, the displacement of thousands has raised concerns about their immediate needs. Many affected residents may require shelter, food and medical assistance.
Calls for Improved Security
The Taraba attack has renewed concerns about the safety of rural communities in northern Nigeria. Armed groups have continued to threaten communities through killings, kidnappings and other violent attacks.
Authorities now face several urgent tasks. They must complete the recovery operation and establish the full casualty figures. They also need to support displaced residents and investigate the incident.
Security agencies must work to identify those responsible. They must also strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable communities from further attacks.
For Binnari residents, the immediate priority is finding missing family members. Many also need assistance to begin rebuilding their lives.
As recovery efforts continue, authorities may release further details about the incident. The confirmed number of deaths and the full extent of the damage remain unclear.
The death toll could therefore change as search teams complete their work.
