Suspected bandits have reportedly killed scores of people during an attack on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The attackers, suspected to have crossed over from neighbouring Plateau State, reportedly invaded the community in Amar Ward, Karim II Constituency, in the early hours of Friday, killing residents, burning houses and destroying foodstuffs worth millions of naira.
According to local sources, the attack forced many residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities, while several other persons were reportedly missing.
Binnari, a community bordering Plateau, has experienced recurring security challenges, including suspected banditry, kidnapping and reprisal attacks in recent months.
Residents alleged that distress calls were made during the attack but that security assistance arrived too late to prevent the killings and destruction.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over the security situation in the area, with residents calling on the Taraba State Government and relevant security agencies to take urgent measures to protect lives and property.
They also urged the state and federal governments to deploy additional security personnel to the affected community, provide relief materials for displaced residents and ensure that those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
Reacting to the incident, the Accord Party candidate for Ardo-Kola, Karim Lamido and Lau Federal Constituency, Dr. Tijo Kenneth Mingeh, condemned the reported killings and destruction in Binnari.
Mingeh expressed concern over the loss of lives, the burning of houses and shops, and the hardship caused by recurring attacks on communities across the constituency.
He called for coordinated security operations to protect vulnerable communities, strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent further attacks.
The Accord Party candidate also urged security agencies to intensify surveillance across the affected areas, apprehend those responsible for the killings and ensure that they are brought to justice.
Mingeh stressed the need for adequate support for families affected by the attack, noting that insecurity continued to threaten the livelihoods of rural residents, many of whom depend on farming for survival.
He further called for collective efforts involving security agencies, government authorities, community leaders and residents to restore peace and stability to Binnari and neighbouring communities.
Also condemning the attack, the incumbent member representing Ardo-Kola, Karim Lamido and Lau Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, A.M. Lauya, expressed concern over the reported loss of innocent lives, the burning of houses and shops, and the fear and hardship caused by insecurity in the affected communities.
Lauya called for urgent and coordinated security interventions to protect vulnerable communities, strengthen intelligence gathering, prevent further attacks and ensure that the perpetrators were apprehended and brought to justice.
He also emphasised the need to provide adequate support to families affected by the tragedy.
The lawmaker reaffirmed the importance of collective efforts among security agencies, relevant authorities, community leaders and residents in restoring peace and security across the affected areas.
DAILY POST reports that as of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the Taraba State Government or security agencies regarding the reported death toll or the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Suspected bandits kill scores in Taraba community, burn houses