The Senate has called for an intensified security operation in border communities across Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states following reports that about 80 people were killed in a bandit attack on Binnari community in Taraba State.
The lawmakers urged security agencies to establish additional operational camps and strengthen surveillance in the affected areas to prevent further attacks and protect residents.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau during plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, Lau condemned the reported killing of civilians in Binnari, located in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, warning that repeated attacks had heightened insecurity, displaced residents and disrupted community life.
He said the activities of armed groups in rural areas raised serious concerns about the government’s responsibility to protect lives and property.
The Senate warned that continued attacks could result in further casualties, destruction of property, mass displacement and worsening humanitarian conditions if urgent measures were not implemented.
The lawmakers maintained that communities in the affected border areas should not be left exposed to armed groups, calling for coordinated security operations to restore peace and prevent a recurrence of the violence.
Beyond security measures, the Senate called on the National Emergency Management Agency and the North-East Development Commission to provide immediate relief materials to residents affected by the attack.
The lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims.
The latest incident occurred on Friday, October 23, when gunmen reportedly invaded Binnari community at about 3pm, shortly after Jumu’ah prayers.
READ ALSO:Â Senate Seeks Emergency Funds, Orders Ebola Screening At All Entry Points
Reports indicated that the attackers opened fire on residents and looted food items from shops and homes during the assault.
Several shops and motorcycles were also reportedly set ablaze, triggering panic in the community.
The assailants were suspected of entering Taraba from neighbouring Plateau State, highlighting concerns over security along the boundaries linking the three states.
Reports on the casualty figure have varied since the attack. While earlier accounts put the number of fatalities lower, subsequent community reports cited 50 deaths before the Senate referenced an estimated 80 victims in its call for urgent intervention.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger security presence in vulnerable rural communities, improved intelligence gathering and coordinated responses to attacks across state boundaries.
The Senate’s demands are aimed at preventing further bloodshed, protecting displaced and vulnerable residents, and ensuring that affected communities receive the assistance needed to recover from the violence.