Death toll rises in Nigeria’s Taraba massacre as residents flee

By Kabir Adeniyi

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - The death toll from a gunmen attack on a rural community in northeastern Nigeria’s Taraba State is disputed, with the state government reporting 25 fatalities while Amnesty International puts the number at 40.

The attack occurred between Friday evening and Saturday morning in the Binnari community, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, where armed men stormed the area and opened fire on residents.

Amnesty International said Saturday evening that at least 40 people were killed in the assault, while the Taraba State government on Sunday put the death toll at 25. The discrepancy could not immediately be independently reconciled.

Witnesses told Anadolu that the assailants arrived on motorcycles, attacked residents and looted property, including food supplies, cash and motorcycles. Homes and shops were also set ablaze, forcing survivors to flee to neighboring communities.

The attack has triggered renewed concerns over the protection of rural communities in Taraba, where residents have faced repeated threats from armed groups.

State Governor Agbu Kefas on Sunday condemned the killings and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect residents and apprehend those responsible.

The governor’s reelection campaign council separately warned politicians against politicizing the tragedy following criticism of the state government’s handling of insecurity.

Amnesty International called for an impartial investigation into the killings, justice for the victims and stronger protection for communities at risk of further attacks.

The incident adds to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, with rural communities in several regions facing attacks by armed groups, kidnappings and killings. The violence has displaced residents and intensified calls for stronger protection of vulnerable communities.