By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
Many persons are feared dead following an attack by suspected bandits on Binnari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The community, located in Amar Ward, Karim II Constituency and bordering Plateau State, was reportedly invaded in the early hours of Friday by gunmen suspected to have crossed from Plateau.
Local sources said the attackers killed residents, set houses and shops ablaze and destroyed foodstuffs worth millions of naira, forcing many to flee to neighbouring communities. Several persons were also reported missing.
Binnari has in recent months witnessed recurring security challenges including banditry, kidnapping and reprisal attacks.
Residents alleged that distress calls were made during the invasion but security operatives arrived too late to prevent the killings and destruction.
The development has raised fresh concerns over security in the area, with residents appealing to the Taraba State Government and security agencies to urgently deploy more personnel to the community, provide relief materials for the displaced and ensure those behind the attack are apprehended.
Reacting to the incident, the Accord Party candidate for Ardo-Kola, Karim-Lamido and Lau Federal Constituency, Dr. Tijo Kenneth Mingeh, condemned the killings and called for coordinated security operations, improved intelligence gathering and sustained surveillance of vulnerable border communities.
He also called for support for affected families, noting that the attacks threaten farming and rural livelihoods.
Similarly, the member representing Ardo-Kola, Karim-Lamido and Lau Federal Constituency, Hon. A.M. Lauya, condemned the attack, describing the loss of lives and destruction of property as disturbing.
Lauya urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence, prevent further attacks and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, while calling for collective efforts to restore peace.
As of press time, neither the Taraba State Government nor security agencies had officially confirmed the casualty figure.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
