At least 58 killed in attack on Binnari village in northeastern Nigeria

Unknown gunmen attacked Binnari village in Taraba State, northeastern Nigeria, on Friday, leaving at least 58 people dead according to police, with the death toll rising as recovery operations continued through the weekend.

The assault occurred during the community's weekly market day, shortly after midday Muslim prayers. Armed men on approximately 50 motorcycles, two riders per vehicle, descended on the village and conducted a four-hour rampage. Witnesses described attackers indiscriminately opening fire on residents, looting shops for cash and food supplies, stealing motorcycles abandoned by fleeing people, and setting houses ablaze. Police initially reported 10 deaths on Friday evening, but the toll rose significantly as search teams discovered additional bodies in surrounding bushes and a nearby river over the following days. Some victims drowned while attempting to escape; an overloaded canoe capsized midway while carrying fleeing residents to a neighboring community.

Police spokesperson Victor Mshelizah told reporters that by Sunday, 15 additional bodies had been recovered, bringing the confirmed count to 58. Amnesty International cited local sources and bereaved families in confirming 52 deaths, noting that initial funeral rites had involved 37 bodies, with reports from community members suggesting up to 50 deaths. Multiple survivors reported still-missing persons, indicating the final toll may be higher.

Unidentified gunmen fled before police arrived at the scene. Assistant Superintendent Victor Mshelizah said officers subsequently dispersed the attackers but noted the difficult terrain favored the assailants' escape. The Taraba State government announced distribution of relief materials to rescued victims and displaced families.

Taraba State has experienced escalating violence attributed to armed criminal gangs, communal clashes, banditry, and ethno-religious tensions in recent years. No group has claimed responsibility for the Binnari attack. Amnesty International's Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, called for an impartial investigation, stating that authorities had left rural communities "at the mercy of gunmen that repeatedly commit atrocities with impunity."