A violent raid on a Nigerian village has left 48 people dead. Survivors describe a chaotic scene as gunmen looted homes and shot residents.
Gunmen killed at least 48 people during a raid on a village in Taraba, Nigeria. Police confirmed the new death toll on Sunday. The attack occurred in the remote village of Binnari.
Also, authorities initially reported only 10 deaths. Police found more bodies throughout the weekend after the initial violence. Some victims drowned while trying to flee from the attackers.
Next, other victims died in nearby bushes while hiding. Amnesty International claims the death toll is actually 52. They gathered this data from local community sources.
The raid began shortly after midday Friday prayers. The attackers terrorized the residents for about four hours. They arrived on roughly 50 motorcycles, carrying two men on each bike.
Then, the gunmen looted local shops for cash and food. They also stole motorcycles that residents left behind during their escape. Survivors reported that the attackers shot at people as they ran.
Meanwhile, police officers arrived at the scene after receiving a distress call. The attackers had already fled the area by that time. The difficult terrain helped the criminals escape the police.
After that, officers began patrolling the village to restore peace. Police Assistant Superintendent Victor Mshelizah stated that the attackers knew the land well. No police officers suffered injuries during the operation.
Still, residents remain fearful for their safety. One survivor noted that people fled in every direction to avoid the gunfire. Many locals are still missing following the chaotic event.
Finally, Amnesty International is demanding a fair investigation into these killings. Officials criticize the government for failing to protect rural communities. Armed gangs and jihadist groups often target these regions for violence and ransom.
As a result, insecurity has become a major issue in Nigeria. Political leaders will likely debate these safety concerns ahead of next year's elections. The country continues to struggle with these frequent, violent raids.