Binnari Attack: Death Toll Rises to 58 as 15 Fleeing Residents Drown

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The death toll from the attack on Binnari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has risen to 58, following the recovery of 23 additional bodies and the drowning of 15 residents who were fleeing the violence.

The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the latest casualties on Monday, days after suspected bandits attacked the community on October 23, during market day.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the latest figure followed the recovery of bodies from surrounding bushes and a river where an overloaded canoe capsized as residents attempted to escape.

“I just spoke with the DPO on the latest development in the area. He told me that 23 more bodies were recovered, while another 15 persons who were trying to escape from the attack through the river capsized and died,” he said.

According to him, the canoe capsized because it was overloaded as passengers attempted to flee the attackers. He added that some bodies were still missing, while 15 had been recovered from the river.

The attack reportedly left several houses burnt, market goods destroyed and families displaced, deepening concerns over insecurity in the area.

Some residents criticised the security response, alleging that the attackers operated for more than four hours without resistance.

A trader identified as Adamu expressed frustration over the incident, saying the assailants attacked the community on market day, killing residents and destroying goods.

“We have no government in place. For over four hours, bandits raided our community on market day, killing people at will and destroying goods in the market,” he said.

Similarly, Yimita Sunday, a member of the Youth Security Volunteers Vanguard, said poor road infrastructure and inadequate telecommunications services hampered rescue operations and the response to the attack.

An aide to the Karim-Lamido Local Government Chairman, Pastor Ephraim Kwachi, said the attackers operated in a guerrilla-style manner before retreating towards Plateau and Bauchi states.

He explained that local hunters and vigilantes initially pursued the assailants before security operatives took over security operations in the community.

Taraba Government Delivers Relief Materials

Meanwhile, the Taraba State Government has provided emergency relief materials to victims of the attack, following a directive by Governor Agbu Kefas.

The intervention, which commenced less than 24 hours after the incident, was coordinated by the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA), led by its Executive Secretary, Dr Echuseh Audu.

Audu said the intervention was intended to provide immediate assistance to affected residents and demonstrate the government’s solidarity with the community.

“We are here on behalf of the Taraba State Government to show solidarity and provide immediate succour to our brothers and sisters in Binnari. His Excellency has directed that no victim of this dastardly act be left unattended to,” she said.

She listed the items distributed as foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets and other essential supplies, describing the exercise as the first phase of the intervention.

According to her, additional assistance would be provided based on the outcome of an assessment of the victims’ needs.

The distribution exercise was witnessed by Hon. Anas Shuaibu Didango and Hon. Abner Shittu, members representing constituencies in Karim-Lamido in the Taraba State House of Assembly; the Vice Chairman of Karim-Lamido Local Government Council, Alhaji Uba Munyarda; traditional rulers; and other stakeholders.

The rising death toll has heightened concerns about the security situation in Karim-Lamido and the challenges facing residents in accessing timely emergency assistance.

Authorities have yet to provide a final account of the casualties, while reports indicate that some bodies remain missing.