Gunmen killed at least 10 villagers and looted shops in northeastern Nigeria, with officials warning the toll could rise

Published Oct 25, 2026, 7:07 a.m. ET

Gunmen attacked Binnari, in Taraba state’s Karim Lamido area, on Friday, looting shops and killing villagers. Police initially reported 10 deaths; Amnesty International later said at least 40 people were killed, while its Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, said families reported as many as 50. Survivors told AFP they counted at least 20 dead.

More context

Gunmen killed at least 40 people in an attack on Binnari, in Nigeria’s northeastern Taraba state, Amnesty International said. Police initially reported 10 deaths; Amnesty said more bodies were recovered on Saturday. Police said the attackers fired heavily and looted food from shops. The raid also set houses ablaze, according to a report carried by AOL. It took place on Friday and lasted up to four hours, AOL reported. Amnesty International’s Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, told the BBC that bereaved families had reported up to 50 deaths; he said the initial funeral had 37 people. Community leader Malam Abubakar Saifullahi told AFP that attackers arrived on about 50 motorcycles, with two men on each, and took cash, food and provisions from shops, as well as motorcycles abandoned by people fleeing.

Reporting

Verifier’s note

The results report the same attack in Binnari, including killings and looted shops; the BBC report says police warned the toll could rise. Later reports say the toll had risen to at least 40, a development consistent with that warning.

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Morning Premium Edition, Sunday, Oct 25, 2026