Lawmakers urge security agencies to establish more security camps across Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi border communities, while calling for emergency relief for affected residents.
The Senate has called for an urgent security offensive across border communities in Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi States following reports that about 80 people were killed by armed bandits in Binnari community, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau during plenary on Wednesday. Lau expressed concern over the killings, warning that recurring attacks had heightened fear, displaced residents and disrupted community life. The lawmakers urged security agencies to establish additional security camps and intensify surveillance to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable communities.
The Senate warned that failure to address the attacks could lead to further loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement and worsening humanitarian conditions. It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and the North-East Development Commission to provide urgent relief materials to affected communities. The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, October 23, shortly after Jumu’ah prayers, when gunmen invaded Binnari at about 3 p.m., firing sporadically and looting food items from shops and homes. Reports also indicated that shops and motorcycles were set ablaze, triggering panic among residents. The attackers were suspected of crossing into Taraba from neighbouring Plateau State.
However, casualty figures have varied across reports, with earlier accounts citing lower numbers and subsequent community reports putting the death toll at 50 before the Senate referenced about 80 fatalities.