JALINGO, Nigeria — At least 62 people have been reported killed after gunmen attacked Binnari community in Taraba State, northeastern Nigeria, leaving dozens injured and thousands displaced, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The attack occurred on Friday in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, state NEMA coordinator Ladan Ayuba said on Tuesday. The agency reported that 52 bodies had been recovered, including 15 from the Benue River, while the overall death toll was reported at 62.

The number of victims could rise as search and recovery operations continue. Taraba State police spokesperson Victor Mshelizah told the Associated Press that the death toll was not yet final because officers were still recovering bodies.

“We still have men on the ground, and the more we recover bodies, we will put them in account,” Mshelizah said.

At least 52 other people were reported injured, while thousands were displaced by the violence. The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of those responsible remain under investigation.

Residents Flee Gunmen into Benue River

Amnesty International Nigeria director Isa Sanusi said some residents fled towards the Benue River as they tried to escape the attackers. Some reportedly entered the water while being pursued, with bodies later recovered from the river.

The account highlights the danger faced by residents attempting to flee armed attacks, although authorities have not yet provided a complete account of how all the victims died.

The attack adds to the security challenges confronting communities across northern Nigeria, where armed groups commonly referred to as bandits have carried out killings, kidnappings for ransom and raids on villages.

Nigeria Faces Multiple Security Threats

Nigeria continues to grapple with several overlapping security crises. Armed criminal groups operate across parts of the north and northwest, while Islamist militant organisations, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, remain active in the northeast.

The violence has displaced communities, disrupted livelihoods and placed additional pressure on emergency services and humanitarian organisations.

In Taraba, ongoing recovery operations are expected to help authorities establish a more accurate casualty figure. Police have not confirmed a final death toll, and further details about the perpetrators and their motives remain unclear.

The reported deaths in Binnari have renewed concerns about the protection of rural communities facing attacks and the risks civilians encounter while attempting to escape armed violence.

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