The House of Representatives has called for urgent security and humanitarian intervention following a deadly attack on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, where the reported death toll has risen to between 57 and 60.
The attack, which reportedly occurred on October 23, 2026, targeted residents and traders gathered at the community market, leaving dozens dead and families devastated.
During Thursday’s plenary, lawmaker Mohammed Audu raised the alarm over the killings, urging the Federal Government to take immediate steps to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.
According to Audu, the attackers opened fire on residents, killing several people at the scene. Panic reportedly forced others to flee towards a nearby river, where some died while attempting to escape.
The casualty figures presented to the National Assembly remain estimates. Separately, the Associated Press reported that Nigeria’s emergency authorities had confirmed at least 62 deaths, with recovery operations continuing as officials searched for additional victims.
Reps Call for Joint Security Operations
The lawmakers urged security agencies in Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinate operations against armed groups operating around their shared borders.
Audu said forested areas and difficult terrain across the three states could provide routes for attackers to enter vulnerable communities and escape before security personnel arrive.
He also called on the Federal Government to accelerate the completion of the abandoned Wase–Karim Lamido road project, arguing that improved road access would help security operatives reach threatened settlements more quickly.
The House further appealed to the North-East Development Commission, the National Emergency Management Agency and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons to provide urgent assistance to affected families.
The proposed relief includes food, blankets, mattresses, building materials and other essential supplies for residents who have lost relatives, homes or livelihoods.
Minority Leader Questions Government’s Response
The House Minority Leader, Fredrick Agbedi, expressed concern over recurring attacks across Nigeria, questioning whether existing security measures were sufficiently protecting citizens.
Agbedi argued that government responses should go beyond legislative motions and moments of silence, calling for practical measures capable of preventing attacks before lives are lost.
He advocated greater use of modern surveillance technology, intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations to identify armed groups and track their movements.
His comments highlighted growing frustration over repeated killings and the difficulty of holding perpetrators accountable after attacks on remote communities.
Deputy Speaker Defends Security Efforts
Responding to the concerns, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu defended the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
He cited government figures on security operations, funding, weapons recovery and the surrender of insurgents, arguing that measures taken by the administration had contributed to progress in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
However, lawmakers maintained that continued attacks on rural communities demonstrated the need for stronger preventive measures and more effective coordination among security agencies.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Beyond the deaths, the attack has raised concerns about displacement, food insecurity and the destruction of livelihoods in affected communities.
Residents who fled the violence require urgent support, while families continue to grapple with the loss of loved ones and uncertainty over their future.
The House adopted the motion and referred the matter to relevant committees, including those responsible for the North-East Development Commission, Works and emergency management, for further action.
The lawmakers called on the relevant authorities to act swiftly to restore security, assist survivors and ensure that communities around the Taraba–Plateau–Bauchi border are better protected against future attacks.
The incident has renewed calls for a more decisive national response to insecurity, with residents and lawmakers demanding action that will translate into lasting protection rather than repeated assurances after deadly attacks.
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