By Daily Review Online
The Senate has called for an urgent security offensive in border communities across Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states following reports that about 80 people were killed by armed bandits in Binnari community, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The lawmakers urged security agencies to establish additional security camps, intensify surveillance and strengthen patrols in the affected areas to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable residents.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau during plenary on Wednesday.
Lau expressed concern over the killing of innocent and defenceless civilians, warning that the recurring attacks had heightened fear, forced residents to flee their homes and disrupted peaceful community life.
He noted that the persistent activities of armed bandits in rural communities undermined the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
The Senate warned that failure to tackle the attacks decisively could result in further loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of residents and worsening humanitarian challenges.
The lawmakers stressed that no community should be abandoned to armed criminal groups, urging security agencies to take decisive measures to restore peace and safeguard residents.
The Senate also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide urgent relief materials to communities affected by the violence.
In honour of the victims, the lawmakers observed a minute’s silence.
The attack on Binnari community reportedly occurred on Friday, October 23, shortly after Jumu’ah prayers. Gunmen were said to have invaded the area at about 3 p.m., firing sporadically and looting food items from shops and residential buildings.
The attackers also reportedly set shops and motorcycles ablaze, triggering panic among residents. They were suspected of having crossed into Taraba State from neighbouring Plateau State.
The reported death toll has varied since the incident. While initial police figures were lower, subsequent community accounts put the number of fatalities at about 50. The Senate, however, cited approximately 80 deaths in its call for urgent security intervention.
The lawmakers’ resolution underscores growing concerns over insecurity in rural and border communities, where recurring attacks have threatened lives, livelihoods and the safety of residents.