At least 40 people have been killed after armed men attacked a village in northeastern Nigeria, with the attackers reportedly looting shops and leaving residents fearing for their safety.

The attack occurred in Binnari village in Taraba State on Friday, October 23, 2026, according to reports from Nigerian police and Amnesty International. The gunmen reportedly arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on residents before raiding local businesses. [1]

Police initially confirmed that at least 10 bodies had been recovered following the attack. However, Amnesty International said the death toll had risen to at least 40 after additional bodies were found on Saturday.

Survivors who spoke to news agencies reported that more than 20 people had died, suggesting the initial official figure did not reflect the full scale of the violence. Amnesty International said it had also spoken with bereaved families who reported a higher number of victims.

The attackers reportedly struck after Friday prayers, firing heavily as residents fled their homes in search of safety. Community leader Malam Abubakar Saifullahi told the AFP news agency that the assailants arrived on approximately 50 motorcycles, with two men riding on each motorcycle.

During the raid, the gunmen allegedly looted shops, taking cash, food supplies and other goods. They also reportedly took motorcycles abandoned by residents escaping the violence.

Binnari resident Isiyaku Musa described the panic that spread through the community as people attempted to flee the attack. Another resident, Sa’idu Nuhu, said villagers counted more than 20 bodies after the gunmen left, while some people were still missing.

Police said officers responded to a distress call but found that the attackers had already fled. Security personnel continued searching nearby areas for additional victims and worked to restore calm in the affected community. [2]

Amnesty International Criticises Security Response

Amnesty International condemned the killings and criticised Nigerian authorities over the continued threat facing rural communities.

The organisation called for an impartial investigation into the attack and urged the government to strengthen security measures to protect residents from armed groups.

The incident highlights the continuing insecurity affecting parts of northern Nigeria, where heavily armed criminal gangs, commonly known as bandits, have carried out village raids, kidnappings for ransom and livestock theft.

These groups often operate in remote areas where security forces face difficulties responding quickly to attacks. Their activities have forced residents to flee communities and disrupted farming, trade and other livelihoods.

Nigeria is also confronting a separate, long-running insurgency involving jihadist groups, particularly in the northeast. The overlapping security threats have placed pressure on authorities as they attempt to protect civilians across several regions.

The identities and motives of the gunmen responsible for the Binnari attack had not been established in the reports available at the time of publication. No confirmed arrests were reported.

With the death toll rising well beyond the initial police figure, the attack has renewed calls for stronger protection of vulnerable communities and accountability for those responsible for the killings.