Amnesty says at least 40 killed in attack on Nigerian village; police put the toll at 10
Police in Taraba State said gunmen struck Binnari shortly after Friday prayers and that officers recovered 10 bodies. Channels Television reported that community searches later recovered at least 37.
As of 3:42 p.m. ET, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
At least 40 people were killed in an attack by gunmen on Binnari village in the Karim Lamido area of Nigeria's Taraba State on Friday, Amnesty International said Saturday. Police have said 10 people were killed.
"Amnesty International strongly condemns the gunmen's deadly attack on Binnari in Karim Lamido local government area of Taraba state in which at least 40 people were killed," Amnesty International Nigeria said in a post on X at 2:21 p.m. ET Saturday. The attack "shows utter disdain for the sanctity of life," the group said. The group said the attack took place on Friday, Oct. 23.
What police 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," Taraba police spokesperson Victor Mshelizah said, according to Premium Times.
"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 command said in a statement Saturday, Channels Television reported.
The attackers invaded the village with heavy gunfire and looted food from shops, police said. Officers sent to the scene recovered 10 bodies with gunshot wounds, which were handed to families for burial according to Islamic rites, the statement said, according to Channels.
Police said reinforcement teams including police tactical units, the Police Mobile Force, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies had been deployed to the area. Commissioner of Police Edwin Ogbegaghagha directed officers to prevent further attacks and arrest those responsible, Channels reported.
Community accounts
Channels Television, citing searches by community leaders and youths in surrounding bushes and rivers, reported that at least 37 bodies had been recovered.
Local sources told Premium Times that the attackers were suspected to have crossed from neighboring Plateau State, burned houses and destroyed food supplies, and that several residents fled to nearby communities.
What is not known
Who carried out the attack is not known.
Sources
- Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) on X, Oct. 24, 2026, 2:21 PM ET (18:21 UTC)
- Premium Times (Chuwang Dungs), "10 killed in Taraba attack as residents flee community," Oct. 24, 2026, 10:27 AM ET (14:27 UTC)
- Channels Television (Donatus Anichukwueze), "Suspected Bandits Kill 37 In Taraba Border Community," Oct. 24, 2026, 9:12 AM ET (13:12 UTC), updated 1:27 PM ET (17:27 UTC)
