Senate has called for stronger security measures in Taraba State following a deadly attack on Binnari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, where about 80 people were reportedly killed.
The lawmakers condemned the killings during Wednesday’s plenary and urged security agencies to increase their presence in vulnerable communities along the borders linking Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states.
The resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Shuaibu Lau, representing Taraba North, who raised concerns about the worsening security situation and its impact on residents.
Senate Raises Alarm Over Repeated Attacks
Lau told his colleagues that recurring attacks by armed groups had left rural communities living in fear, with families abandoning their homes and normal economic activities disrupted.
He warned that failure to contain the violence could expose more communities to killings, destruction of property and displacement.
The senator stressed that protecting citizens and their belongings is a central responsibility of government, adding that residents should not be left vulnerable to armed criminal groups.
He also expressed concern about the humanitarian consequences of the violence, particularly for families who have lost relatives, homes and sources of income.
Lawmakers Demand More Security Camps
Following deliberations, the Senate urged security agencies to deploy additional personnel to the affected areas and establish more security camps along the Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi border corridors.
The proposed measures are intended to strengthen surveillance, improve response to security threats and prevent further attacks on isolated settlements.
Lawmakers also called for closer attention to communities where difficult terrain and limited security coverage have made emergency responses challenging.
NEMA, NEDC Asked to Assist Victims
Beyond increased security deployment, the Senate requested urgent humanitarian assistance for people affected by the killings.
It called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide essential relief supplies to displaced residents and other victims.
The assistance is expected to address immediate needs arising from the destruction of homes, businesses and household belongings.
The Senate also observed a minute of silence in remembrance of those who died.
How the Binnari Attack Unfolded
The latest violence occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, when suspected armed bandits invaded Binnari community during its weekly market activities.
Reports indicate that the attackers opened fire, looted shops and set properties ablaze, forcing frightened residents to flee.
Some victims reportedly died while attempting to escape across a nearby river, while others were found in surrounding bushes during subsequent searches.
The number of people killed has changed as rescue workers and security personnel continue accounting for victims.
Initial police reports confirmed 10 deaths. Subsequent accounts put the toll substantially higher, with the National Emergency Management Agency reporting at least 62 fatalities by October 27.
The Senate motion referred to approximately 80 deaths, although that figure had not been independently established as the final official casualty count.
Why Karim-Lamido Has Become a Security Concern
Karim-Lamido has experienced repeated outbreaks of violence involving armed groups and communal tensions.
In May 2025, attacks on Munga Lelau and neighbouring settlements left dozens dead, damaged homes and forced residents to seek safety elsewhere.
The violence has been linked in previous reports to disputes between farming and herding communities, retaliatory attacks and the activities of armed criminal groups.
The latest Binnari killings have renewed concerns about the ability of security agencies to protect remote communities and respond quickly when attacks occur.
The Senate’s latest intervention adds to growing calls for sustained security operations, stronger intelligence gathering and effective humanitarian support in Taraba State.
For residents affected by the violence, the immediate priorities remain safety, assistance for displaced families and measures to prevent another attack.
The rewritten report incorporates verified background from the October 23 attack, subsequent casualty updates and the documented history of insecurity in Karim-Lamido.
