Nigeria police report 10 dead in Taraba village raid, others claim 40
Survivors and Amnesty International dispute the official count following a motorcycle assault on Binnari village in eastern Nigeria.
By Sofia Ramirez ·
Police in Taraba State confirmed on Saturday that at least 10 people died when gunmen attacked Binnari village. Officers stated that recovery teams had located 10 bodies by Friday evening following the assault by a large group of riders on motorcycles.
Other witnesses and organizations report a much higher casualty count. Survivors told the AFP news agency that at least 20 people lost their lives. On Saturday, the human rights group Amnesty International issued a statement claiming 40 people were killed. The group noted that while police initially confirmed 10 deaths, additional bodies were discovered later on Saturday.
Residents described the attack as sudden and violent. Sa'idu Nuhu, a resident of Binnari, said the gunmen opened fire immediately after Friday prayers. He reported that more than 20 bodies were counted after the attackers departed, with some residents still missing. Another resident, Isiyaku Musa, agreed that the death toll stood at no fewer than 20.
Malam Abubakar Saifullahi, a community leader, detailed the scale of the raid. He said approximately 50 motorcycles arrived, each carrying two armed men. The assailants looted shops, taking cash, foodstuffs, and provisions. They also seized motorcycles that villagers had abandoned while fleeing the scene.
Amnesty International criticized the Nigerian government's handling of rural security. The organization stated that authorities continue to leave rural communities in northern regions at the mercy of gunmen who commit atrocities with impunity. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of banditry in central and northwest Nigeria, where gangs raid remote areas to collect ransom and levy taxes on farmers and miners.
Nigeria has dealt with armed conflicts since the 2009 rise of Boko Haram. In a separate incident on Saturday, the military reported killing 15 terrorists during an airstrike in Borno State in the northeast.
The police in Taraba State are currently investigating the raid. Community members are continuing to search for missing residents. The next official update on the investigation is expected as recovery efforts conclude.
Source: Al Jazeera
