Abdulsalam Hammad
The death toll from the deadly attack on Binnari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has risen to 58 people, including 15 who drowned inside river while fleeing for their lives.
Police Public Relations Officer, Taraba State Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah confirmed the new figure on Sunday, October 26, after speaking with the Divisional Police Officer, DPO in Karim-Lamido.
The attack happened on Friday, October 23, 2026 on market day. According to police and residents, gunmen came on about 50 motorcycles, two persons each, and operated for about 4 hours without resistance. They shot sporadically at traders and residents, burnt houses, shops, motorcycles, looted foodstuffs and valuables.
Initially, police said 10 bodies recovered. Later Amnesty International said 40. Local residents said more than 40.
On Sunday, police gave update:
23 more bodies recovered from surrounding bushes where people hid
15 bodies recovered from river
”I just spoke with the DPO on the latest development. He told me that 23 more bodies were recovered, while another 15 persons who were trying to escape from the attack through the river drowned,” Mshelizah told Xinhua.
According to him, panicked residents rushed to the river to escape. They overloaded a small canoe which capsized in the middle of the river. 15 drowned, some bodies still missing.
Currently, Many residents displaced, now taking refuge in neighbouring communities Taraba State Government has started distributing emergency relief materials to victims
Search and rescue operations still ongoing, many still feared missing
Residents lament neglect, saying authorities failed to protect them despite repeated attacks No group has claimed responsibility. Area has history of communal clashes, banditry and ethno-religious tensions.
Death toll hits 58 in Taraba massacre
26
Oct
