The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the federal government to complete the Wase-Karim Lamido road and strengthen intelligence sharing after the attack on Binnari in Taraba State.
Lawmakers adopted a motion by Mohammed Audu, who said poor road access delayed security responses to communities in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
The House also sought relief for affected families from the North-East Development Commission, the National Emergency Management Agency and other humanitarian bodies. Audu listed food, blankets, mattresses and building materials among survivors’ needs.
Audu said the attackers used forest routes linking Plateau, Bauchi and Taraba states, and called for a coordinated response across the three states rather than separate operations.
He put the reported toll from the 23 October market attack at between 57 and 60, including people who entered a river while fleeing. Police had earlier confirmed 10 deaths, while a resident gave a higher count in the initial accounts of the Binnari attack.
Audu also alleged that attackers looted food and seized vehicles in neighbouring Gomben Dela on Monday. He reported no deaths in that incident.
During debate, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi questioned the effectiveness of preventive security measures. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu defended the federal government’s record, citing figures he attributed to government reports.
Kalu referred the motion to the House committees on works, the North-East Development Commission and emergency management for further action.
Sources: Punch; Premium Times; Earlier Binnari report
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