Suspected Bandits Kill 10 In Taraba Border Community

At least 10 people have been killed in an attack by suspected bandits on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The gunmen, said to be large in number, invaded the community on Friday, October 23, shooting sporadically, looting food items from shops and setting houses and shops ablaze.

The attackers are suspected to have crossed into Taraba from neighbouring Plateau State, one of the states bordering Karim Lamido Local Government Area, alongside Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Nasarawa states.

The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Saturday by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah.

According to the statement, the attack occurred at about 3 p.m., shortly after Jumu’ah prayers.

“The Taraba State Police Command regrets to inform the general public of an attack by suspected armed bandits on Binnari Village on 23 October 2026 at about 1500 hours, shortly after Jumu’ah prayers,” the statement said.

It added that the attackers invaded the village with heavy gunfire, looted food items from shops and caused panic among residents.

Police said operatives were immediately mobilised to the scene following a report from the Officer-in-Charge of Binnari, where they recovered 10 bodies bearing gunshot wounds.

The bodies were subsequently handed over to the families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The police said additional personnel had been placed on red alert, while joint reinforcement teams comprising police tactical units, the Police Mobile Force, conventional police, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies had been deployed to the area.

The measures, according to the command, are aimed at preventing further attacks, maintaining public order and protecting residents.

The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, CP Edwin Ogbegaghagha, has directed security operatives to sustain coordinated operations and take necessary steps to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The command also commiserated with the families of the victims, assuring residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property.

It urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and report suspicious movements or credible security information to the nearest police station or relevant security agency.

The Taraba State Government has yet to issue a statement on the attack or announce any additional measures to strengthen security in the area.

Binnari and its surrounding areas have previously been identified by security agencies and the government as areas of particular security concern.

The latest attack has renewed questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures and the deployment of security personnel to prevent further violence and protect lives and property.