A violent raid by gunmen on a Nigerian village has left at least 48 people dead. Survivors describe a chaotic scene as attackers looted the community.
Gunmen killed at least 48 people during a raid in Taraba state, Nigeria. Police provided this updated death toll on Sunday. The attack targeted the remote village of Binnari on Friday.
Also, authorities initially reported only 10 deaths. Officers later found more bodies in the area. Some victims drowned while fleeing, while others died in nearby bushes.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International claims the death toll is even higher. Their local sources report 52 fatalities. The group demands a full and fair investigation into these killings.
The violent attack began just after midday prayers. The gunmen continued their rampage for nearly four hours. They arrived on approximately 50 motorcycles with two men on each bike.
Next, the attackers looted local shops for cash and supplies. They also stole motorcycles left behind by terrified residents. Many villagers fled in different directions to escape the gunfire.
Then, police arrived at the village after receiving a distress call. The gunmen had already fled the scene by that time. Police officers now patrol the area to keep the peace.
However, officers struggle to catch the attackers. Assistant Superintendent Victor Mshelizah noted that the terrain is very difficult to navigate. The gunmen know the land well and used it to escape.
After that, survivors shared stories of the chaos. One survivor explained that nobody knew where to go for safety. Another resident confirmed that many people remain missing.
Still, the violence continues to plague parts of Nigeria. Armed gangs and jihadist groups often raid rural villages. These groups frequently abduct residents to demand large ransoms.
Finally, Nigeria faces growing concerns regarding national security. Officials expect this issue to dominate upcoming political debates. Citizens remain worried about their safety as these atrocities happen with impunity.