Death toll in Taraba terror attack rises to 40

The variety of individuals killed in the 23 October terror attack on Binnari village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has risen to 40.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the police in the state confirmed that 10 locals had been killed in the attack.

Victor Mshelizah, the spokesperson for Taraba police command, stated police operatives had been deployed to restore order in the realm.

However, Amnesty International Nigeria reported that 40 individuals had been killed in the attack, including that further our bodies had been being found.

Other sources reported greater figures, with many individuals nonetheless lacking.

Locals instructed this newspaper that homes, retailers and items had been razed by the armed males who infiltrated the neighborhood by means of a border neighborhood in Plateau State.

“The attack which took place on Friday 23 October 2026 shows utter disdain for the sanctity of life,” Amnesty stated, calling for an neutral investigation and justice for the victims.

It corroborated locals’ accounts of the assailants burning foodstuffs, properties, retailers and bikes.

“The community is now littered with dead bodies, some burnt beyond recognition, as families declare many still missing,” Amnesty stated.

Amnesty International accused Nigerian authorities of failing to adequately defend rural communities from repeated assaults.

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“The Nigerian authorities continue to leave rural communities in some parts of the north at the mercy of gunmen who repeatedly commit atrocities with impunity,” the organisation stated.

It referred to as for an neutral investigation into the attack and satisfactory reparations for survivors.

“On the side of the authorities, issuing bland statements condemning these horrific attacks is not enough,” Amnesty stated. “Genuine commitment to protecting the people must be demonstrated by ensuring adequate security of lives and property, as well as ensuring justice for the victims.”

The organisation added that the failure to prosecute suspected perpetrators was encouraging additional violence.

“Consistent failure of the authorities to bring the suspected perpetrators to justice is clearly emboldening impunity,” it stated.

Taraba is mapped to the insurgency-ravaged North-east, nevertheless it has suffered extra from banditry, farmer-herder crises and communal clashes, similar to its neighbouring state, Plateau.