Governor Agbu Kefas. Official portrait: Taraba State Government. This is not a photograph of the attack scene.
The Binnari attack in Taraba State killed at least 40 people on Friday, 23 October, Amnesty International says. The rights organisation’s figure is higher than the 10 deaths earlier confirmed by police.
Reuters reported that Amnesty said more bodies were recovered on Saturday. The higher figure is the organisation’s account, rather than an updated death toll announced by the Taraba State Police Command. Podium has not independently verified the total.
Police said a large group of armed men attacked the community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area at about 3pm, shortly after Jumu’ah prayers. According to the command’s statement, reported by Channels Television, the assailants opened heavy fire and looted food from shops.
The differing casualty figures remain unresolved. No final consolidated toll has been established, and the information available does not establish the identity of the attackers.
Governor Agbu Kefas condemned the Binnari attack and called for those responsible to be arrested. Channels Television reported that his response followed the killings on Friday.
Photograph: Governor Agbu Kefas. Official portrait supplied by the Taraba State Government; not a photograph of the attack scene.
