BREAKING: Dozens Feared Killed As Terrorists Attack Taraba Community, Burn Houses, Police Recover 10 Bodies
Residents of Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State have reported that about 30 people were killed during an attack by suspected bandits on Friday, October 23.
The assailants reportedly invaded the community shortly after Juma’at prayers, killing residents, burning houses and destroying food crops.
Children and elderly persons were among those reportedly killed, while several residents fled their homes amid fears of further attacks.
However, the Taraba State Police Command said only 10 bodies had been recovered as of Friday evening. According to local accounts, additional bodies were discovered on Saturday morning, while some residents were still searching for missing relatives.
The discrepancy between the residents’ reported death toll and the number of bodies recovered has raised concerns that the full extent of the casualties may not yet be known.
Sources in the area told Ibom Focus that the attackers might have crossed into the community from neighbouring Plateau State. The allegation has not been independently confirmed, and the attackers’ identities remain unknown.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary reports suggested that the attackers initially came to steal food items and other valuables.
“There was an incident like that yesterday, immediately after Friday’s prayers.
“From the preliminary report, it was revealed that the people initially came to steal food stuff and other valuables,” he said.
The police spokesperson stated that security operatives had recovered 10 bodies by Friday evening and assured residents that efforts to safeguard lives and property would be intensified.
The incident has once again raised questions about the security of rural communities in Taraba State, particularly in Karim Lamido, where residents now face the loss of loved ones, damaged homes and destroyed food supplies.
Residents have called on security agencies to strengthen their presence in the area and take urgent steps to prevent a recurrence.
