At least 37 people have been confirmed killed in an attack by suspected bandits on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The gunmen, said to be large in number, invaded the community on Friday, October 23, firing sporadically, looting food items from shops and setting houses and shops ablaze.

Although initial reports from the community put the death toll at 10, further searches by community leaders and youths in surrounding bushes and rivers led to the recovery of 37 bodies.

The attackers are suspected to have crossed into Taraba from neighbouring Plateau State. Karim Lamido Local Government Area also shares boundaries with Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Nasarawa states.

The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Saturday by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah.

According to the police, the attack occurred at about 3 p.m. on Friday, shortly after Jumu’ah prayers.

“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 statement said.

It added that the attackers, who were reportedly large in number, invaded the village with heavy gunfire and looted food items from shops, causing panic among residents.

The police said operatives were immediately mobilised to the scene after receiving a report from the Officer-in-Charge of Binnari, where they recovered 10 bodies bearing gunshot wounds.

The bodies were subsequently handed over to the families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The command said additional police personnel had been placed on red alert, while joint reinforcement teams comprising police tactical units, the Police Mobile Force, conventional police, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies had been deployed to the area.

The deployment, according to the police, is aimed at preventing further attacks, maintaining public order and protecting residents.

The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, CP Edwin Ogbegaghagha, directed security operatives to sustain coordinated operations, prevent further attacks and apprehend those responsible.

The command commiserated with the families of the victims and assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property.

It also urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and promptly report suspicious movements or credible security information to the nearest police station or relevant security agency.

The Taraba State Government has yet to issue a statement on the attack or announce additional measures to strengthen security in the area.

Binnari and its surrounding areas have previously been identified by security agencies and the government as areas of particular security concern.

The latest killings have raised fresh questions about existing security measures and the deployment of security personnel to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property. (Channels TV, excluding headline)