Gunmen kill at least 10 villagers and loot shops in north-east Nigeria

What the report says

Police in northeast Nigeria say gunmen attacked the village of Binnari in Taraba state, killing at least 10 people, looting shops and setting homes on fire. The BBC reports that the assault happened on Friday shortly after midday prayers in the Karim Lamido area, when the attackers arrived on motorcycles and remained for several hours before fleeing.

Authorities said officers recovered 10 bodies after responding to a distress call, and police are still searching nearby bushland for more victims or survivors. The BBC said officials warned the death toll could rise, while eyewitnesses and a local community leader gave higher estimates, with some residents saying they saw at least 20 dead and Amnesty International reporting that bereaved families believed the figure could be as high as 50.

According to the report, the attackers also stole cash, food and motorcycles from people fleeing the violence. The incident adds to wider insecurity in Nigeria, where armed groups, kidnapping gangs and jihadist militants have carried out repeated attacks in several regions, especially in the northeast, over many years.

The BBC also noted criticism of the authorities over protection for rural communities. Police said they had restored some calm in the area and were continuing patrols while the search for casualties continued.