The Taraba State Government has confirmed the killing of 25 people following an attack by armed men on Binnari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred between Friday evening and Saturday morning, saw gunmen storm the rural community, opening fire on residents, looting food supplies, cash and motorcycles, and setting houses and shops ablaze.
In a statement on Sunday, Governor Agbu Kefas condemned the killings and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect residents and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The government put the death toll at 25, but the Amnesty International Nigeria, on Saturday evening, reported that at least 40 people were killed in the attack, calling for an impartial investigation, accountability for the perpetrators and stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities.
The Taraba State Government said it was working with security agencies to stabilize the area and provide support to survivors who fled to neighbouring communities, while noting that casualty figures were still being verified.
The governor’s reelection campaign council also appealed to politicians not to exploit the tragedy for political gains, following criticism of the state government’s handling of insecurity.
The incident has renewed concerns over security in rural parts of Taraba, where communities have repeatedly come under attack by armed groups, leading to deaths, displacement and destruction of property.
