Gunmen have killed at least 10 people in an attack on Binnari town in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, looting shops and carting away motorcycles and other valuables.

The attack occurred at about 3pm on Friday as the community was observing its market day, with several residents, including women and children, reportedly among those killed.

Daily Trust reported that the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, opened fire in different directions, leaving several others wounded and triggering panic among residents.

A community leader, Alhaji Tanko Andami, said the gunmen arrived on about 50 motorcycles, with two men riding on each motorcycle.

According to him, the attackers looted shops after shooting residents, taking away cash, foodstuffs and other provisions. They also reportedly seized new motorcycles abandoned by their owners while fleeing the attack.

Andami alleged that the attackers were among bandits who had taken control of several communities in the area and operated around the borders linking Taraba with Plateau and Bauchi states.

He appealed to the Taraba State Government and security agencies to intensify security operations in Karim-Lamido, warning that several communities remained vulnerable to attacks.

Another resident, Yahuza Binnari, who fled to a nearby village, said the gunmen invaded the town shortly after Friday prayers, when the market was crowded.

He said the attackers blocked the entrances to the town while others moved into the market and opened fire on residents.

“There was total confusion in the town as people ran in different directions,” he said.

Yahuza added that residents counted more than 18 bodies after the attackers left, while several other people were still missing.

He said the community was preparing to bury those killed and search for the missing residents.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, confirmed the attack but put the death toll at 10.

He added that police personnel had been deployed to the affected community.

The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity in Karim-Lamido and neighbouring border communities, with residents calling for urgent intervention by the state government and security agencies.