The death toll from a suspected bandit attack on the Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has risen from the 10 initially reported by the police to 50, according to community accounts.

Gunmen invaded the community on Friday, shortly after Jumu’ah prayers, shooting sporadically, looting food items and residential houses, and setting shops and motorcycles ablaze.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Taraba State Police Command confirmed that 10 bodies bearing gunshot wounds had been recovered from the scene.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the attackers were large in number and invaded the village with heavy gunfire, causing panic among residents.

However, community accounts put the death toll at 50 following further searches in nearby bushes and a river, while Amnesty International Nigeria reported that 40 people were killed in the attack, with more bodies being discovered and many people still missing.

According to the community’s account, after the initial 10 bodies were found, 27 more were recovered following an intensive search of the surrounding bushes.

Another 13 bodies, mostly those of children, were subsequently found in a river and nearby bushes. Some had reportedly drowned, while others were hit by stray bullets.

Residents said the attackers crossed into the community from neighbouring Plateau State with sophisticated weapons.

The community also alleged that Binnari had been attacked three times by armed groups.

The Commander of the Hunters Association, Babangida Ibrahim, said police officers and Nigerian Army personnel responded after the alarm was raised, forcing the attackers to flee as security operatives approached.

Amnesty International accused Nigerian authorities of failing to adequately protect rural communities from repeated attacks.

“The Nigerian authorities continue to leave rural communities in some parts of the north at the mercy of gunmen who repeatedly commit atrocities with impunity,” the organisation said.

It called for an impartial investigation into the attack and adequate reparations for survivors.

“On the side of the authorities, issuing bland statements condemning these horrific attacks is not enough,” Amnesty said. “Genuine commitment to protecting the people must be demonstrated by ensuring adequate security of lives and property, as well as ensuring justice for the victims.”