Ten people have been killed following a deadly attack by gunmen on Binnari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, with residents fleeing their homes amid fears of further violence.
The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday in Amar Ward, Karim II Constituency, leaving a trail of destruction, with houses burnt and food supplies destroyed.
The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed the killings, saying security personnel have been deployed to the affected community.
Police spokesperson, Victor Mshelizah, confirmed that ten people lost their lives in the incident, although the circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of the perpetrators remain unclear.
He said, “There was an incident that happened yesterday, an attack by unknown gunmen that claimed the lives of ten people. We currently have men deployed there.”
While the police have yet to release further details, local sources allege that the attackers, suspected to have entered the area from neighbouring Plateau State, stormed the community unexpectedly, shooting residents and setting houses ablaze.
The assailants also reportedly destroyed food supplies worth millions of naira, dealing a devastating blow to residents whose livelihoods depend largely on their homes, farms and stored agricultural produce.
The aftermath of the attack has left families counting their losses, while several residents have reportedly fled to neighbouring communities in search of safety.
Local sources also said some people remained missing following the incident, raising concerns about the possibility of additional casualties and the whereabouts of those unaccounted for.
There are also allegations that residents made distress calls during the attack, but security assistance arrived too late to prevent the killings and destruction. These claims have yet to be independently confirmed by the police.
The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in Karim-Lamido and the vulnerability of rural communities facing violent attacks.
Residents are now calling on the Taraba State Government and security agencies to strengthen security operations, improve emergency response and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
Beyond the immediate loss of lives, the reported destruction of homes and food supplies threatens household security and could deepen the hardship faced by displaced families.
For residents forced to abandon their homes, the immediate priority remains safety, shelter and access to essential supplies.
As security personnel are deployed to the affected area, attention is turning to efforts to establish the full circumstances of the attack, locate missing persons and assess the extent of the damage.
The police have yet to provide additional public details regarding the reported burning of houses, destruction of food supplies and missing residents.
For now, the community remains gripped by uncertainty as families mourn their loved ones and displaced residents seek refuge away from the scene of the violence.
The latest killings underscore the urgent need for effective security measures to protect vulnerable communities, prevent further bloodshed and restore confidence among residents of Karim-Lamido.
