The Taraba State Government has delivered relief materials to Binnari in Karim Lamido Local Government Area after Friday’s attack, as community accounts put the death toll above the 10 initially confirmed by police.
The state emergency management agency visited on Saturday to distribute supplies and assess damage. Vanguard reported that the items included food grains, mattresses, blankets and other essentials, following a directive from Governor Agbu Kefas.
Channels Television reported a community count of 50 after further searches of nearby bushes and a river. Vanguard reported that residents put the toll at more than 40. The police statement cited by both outlets confirmed the recovery of 10 bodies; the higher community figures were not presented as an updated police count.
NaijaTrend earlier reported the police figure and a resident’s higher estimate here. The attack took place on Friday, October 23, when gunmen entered Binnari after Jumu’ah prayers, fired on residents and set property ablaze.
According to Channels Television, the community’s account said more bodies were found after the initial police recovery, including children recovered from a river and nearby bushes. The report attributed some deaths to drowning and others to gunfire.
The relief team also assessed property destruction to determine what further assistance was needed. The emergency agency’s executive secretary urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and provide information to security operatives.
Community representative Tanko Bobbo Andemin appealed for better road access to Karim Lamido, saying poor connections made it difficult for security personnel to reach affected communities, Channels Television reported.
Kefas condemned the killings and called for the perpetrators to be identified and apprehended. The government said it was deploying additional security personnel to prevent further attacks.
Sources: Channels Television, Vanguard
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