Over 50 victims buried after Taraba gunmen attack – Residents

Residents of Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State are mourning, as reports indicate that more than 50 people were killed when gunmen attacked the area last week.

The attackers stormed the community shortly after Friday prayers, shooting at residents, stealing food supplies and setting shops and motorcycles on fire.

A resident who spoke to the BBC Hausa said the attack left the community in fear and confusion.

“We have never witnessed violence and panic like this before,” he said.

The resident said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and headed straight to the local market, where they opened fire on people.

“They came on at least 150 motorcycles and started shooting indiscriminately, which threw people into panic,” he said.

“We were in the middle of trading when we suddenly heard gunshots. People fled immediately, and many jumped into the water in a pond near the market in an attempt to escape,” he added.

According to the resident, the attackers surrounded the market from all directions before launching their assault.

“They surrounded the market from every corner, east and west, north and south. They entered the market from everywhere,” he said.

He added that he initially thought the gunmen would eventually leave the community.

Taraba State Police Command insists the death toll from the attack had reached 48.

The police spokesperson, Victor Mshelizah, said the figure increased after 23 additional bodies were recovered on Sunday.

He said police investigations showed that some victims drowned while trying to escape from the attackers, while others were killed in nearby forests.

However, residents maintain that more than 50 people died in the incident.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.