In brief
Gunmen raided the remote village of Binnari in north‑east Nigeria, killing at least ten people and setting houses on fire. Police recovered ten bodies with gunshot wounds, while eyewitnesses and NGOs hint at a death toll that could reach 50. The attack unfolded after midday prayers, with assailants arriving on dozens of motorcycles and looting local shops. Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian authorities for failing to protect rural communities amid escalating insecurity.
In a shocking attack on Friday, unknown gunmen swarmed the village of Binnari in the Karim Lamido area of Taraba state. The raid began just after midday prayers and lasted for up to four hours, leaving a trail of destruction and fear.
Police recovered ten bodies with gunshot wounds, but witnesses say the real death toll could be as high as 50. The attackers lured the community into chaos by looting shops, taking cash, food items, and even motorcycles abandoned by fleeing villagers.
Assistant Superintendent Victor Mshelizah confirmed that the police had dispersed the gunmen without casualties on either side. Officers are still searching nearby forests for additional victims or wounded residents.
Amnesty International has called the incident a stark reminder of the threat that armed groups pose to Nigeria’s rural areas, urging an impartial investigation and stronger protection for civilians.
Nigeria remains grappling with a long‑running insurgency and a proliferation of armed groups across the country, heightening tensions in regions such as the northwest, northeast and central zones.
