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At least 10 people have been killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen on a remote village in Nigeria’s northeastern Taraba State, with shops looted and houses set on fire, police said.
The actual death toll is feared to be significantly higher. Witnesses reported at least 20 deaths, while international human rights organisation Amnesty International said the toll could be as high as 50.
According to police, the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and attacked Binari village in the Karim Lamido area of Taraba State shortly after Friday prayers at noon. They went on a rampage for around four hours.
Police said searches were underway in nearby bushes and forested areas to locate victims. Amnesty International, meanwhile, criticised the authorities for failing to ensure the safety of rural communities.
Armed group attacks continue in various parts of Nigeria, including the northwest, northeast and central regions. The country has also been battling militant activity in the northeast for nearly two decades, while the government has faced longstanding criticism over its handling of the security situation.
Following the latest attack, police said they recovered the bodies of 10 people with gunshot wounds after receiving an emergency call.
The attackers had fled before police arrived. However, patrols continued in the area on Saturday to maintain security, police told the BBC.
