About 30 people are feared dead following an attack by suspected bandits on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, while security volunteers in Katsina State have foiled a separate planned mass-kidnap operation, killing 14 suspected bandits and rescuing three victims.
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The Taraba attack occurred shortly after Friday’s Juma’at prayers and left several houses burnt and food crops destroyed, forcing many residents to flee the community.
Residents said children and elderly persons were among those killed and expressed fears that several people were still missing after the attack.
The Taraba State Police Command, however, said 10 bodies had been recovered as of Friday evening, while residents maintained that additional bodies were discovered on Saturday morning, raising fears that the final death toll could be considerably higher.
Local sources claimed that the attackers may have entered the community from neighbouring Plateau State, but that account has not been independently established and the identities of the assailants remain unknown.
The attack has compounded hardship in the community, with residents mourning relatives while also grappling with the destruction of homes, food supplies and other property.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said preliminary information suggested that the attackers initially targeted food items and other valuables.
“There was an incident like that yesterday, immediately after Friday’s prayers.
“From the preliminary report, it was revealed that the people initially came to steal food stuff and other valuables,” he said.
Mshelizah said security operatives had recovered 10 bodies as of Friday evening and that the identities of those responsible had yet to be established.
He assured residents that security agencies would intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
The attack has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of rural communities in Karim Lamido and other parts of Taraba State to armed violence, with residents calling for stronger security presence and preventive measures.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, the government said security volunteers successfully foiled what it described as a planned mass-kidnap operation in Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward of Bakori Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Danmusa, said intelligence indicated that 26 heavily armed suspected bandits riding on 13 motorcycles were advancing towards Dawan Laila Forest in preparation for coordinated attacks on neighbouring communities.
According to the government, the group was allegedly led by a suspected bandit kingpin identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.
Danmusa said community hunters from Gidan Wawo were promptly mobilised after receiving the intelligence and engaged the armed group in a gun battle.
The state government said 14 suspected bandits were killed during the encounter while three victims were rescued alive.
The operation, however, also resulted in casualties among those who confronted the attackers.
A 29-year-old community hunter, Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, was killed during the operation, while another hunter, Usman Sunday, 25, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.
The government also said a traveller identified as Jamilu Lawal, 50, died after being burnt inside a vehicle during the attack.
Following the losses suffered by the suspected bandits, authorities said intelligence indicated the possibility of reprisal attacks against surrounding communities.
The Katsina State Government said countermeasures had consequently been activated in collaboration with security agencies to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities.
It commended security personnel and community hunters for what it described as a swift intervention that prevented a potentially devastating mass abduction.
The government urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Katsina State.
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