Taraba Killings: Senate Demands Security Offensive in Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi as Death Toll Hits 80

Our Editor

The Senate has called for intensified security operations in border communities across Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states following reports that about 80 people were killed in an attack on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The lawmakers urged security agencies to establish additional security camps and strengthen surveillance in vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks and protect residents.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau during Wednesday’s plenary.

Moving the motion, Lau condemned the killing of civilians, expressing concern that repeated attacks by armed groups had created fear, forced residents to flee their homes and disrupted normal life in affected communities.

He warned that continued insecurity in rural areas undermined the government’s constitutional duty to safeguard lives and property.

The Senate cautioned that without decisive intervention, the affected communities could face further killings, destruction of property, displacement and worsening humanitarian conditions.

The lawmakers insisted that residents should not be left exposed to armed groups and called for urgent measures to restore security across the troubled areas.

They also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide immediate relief materials to victims and communities affected by the violence.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who lost their lives.

The latest death toll cited by the lawmakers is higher than earlier figures reported after the attack, with conflicting accounts emerging about the number of victims.

The attack occurred on Friday, October 23, when gunmen reportedly stormed Binnari community at about 3 p.m., shortly after Jumu’ah prayers.

The assailants were said to have opened fire on residents and looted food items from shops and homes. They also reportedly set some shops and motorcycles on fire, triggering panic in the community.

The attackers were suspected of entering Taraba State from neighbouring Plateau State.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger security measures along the border areas linking the three states to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable communities.