Suspected bandits have reportedly killed scores of residents during an attack on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, setting houses ablaze and destroying food supplies worth millions of naira.
The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday in Amar Ward, Karim II Constituency, with the assailants suspected of crossing over from neighbouring Plateau State.
Local sources said the invasion forced many residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities, while several others were reported missing.
The attackers allegedly killed residents, burnt houses and shops, and destroyed foodstuffs, worsening the hardship faced by families who depend largely on farming for their livelihoods.
Binnari, a border community adjoining Plateau State, has reportedly experienced recurring security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping and reprisal attacks in recent months.
Residents alleged that distress calls were made during the attack but claimed that security personnel arrived too late to prevent the killings and destruction.
The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in the area, with residents calling on the Taraba State Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen security operations, deploy additional personnel and protect vulnerable communities.
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They also appealed to the state and federal governments to provide relief materials for displaced families and ensure that those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
Reacting to the incident, Dr. Tijo Kenneth Mingeh, the Accord Party candidate for the Ardo-Kola, Karim Lamido and Lau Federal Constituency, condemned the reported killings and destruction.
Mingeh called for coordinated security operations, improved intelligence gathering and increased surveillance to prevent further attacks. He also urged authorities to support affected families and restore peace to the troubled communities.
Similarly, the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, A.M. Lauya, expressed concern over the reported loss of lives, destruction of property and growing hardship caused by insecurity.
Lauya called for urgent security interventions, stronger intelligence coordination and the arrest of those responsible. He further stressed the need for collective action involving government authorities, security agencies, community leaders and residents to restore peace across the affected areas.
However, as of the time of filing this report, the Taraba State Government and security agencies had yet to officially confirm the reported death toll or provide details of the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The situation has heightened calls for urgent intervention to protect lives, secure rural communities and prevent further displacement in the affected areas.
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