30 Feared Dead in Attack on Taraba Community as Hunters Kill 14 Bandits in Katsina

In the recent attack on the Binnari community in Taraba State, about 30 people lost their lives, with several houses burned down and crops destroyed. The attack occurred shortly after Friday’s Juma’at prayers and targeted food items and valuables. Preliminary reports indicate that the assailants may have entered the community from neighbouring Plateau State, though this has not been independently verified.

As of Friday evening, 10 bodies had been recovered, but several residents reported discovering more bodies the following morning. Many residents have reported being missing, and some fear that more victims remain unaccounted for.

In a separate incident in Katsina, a planned mass kidnap operation was foiled by local hunters. Intelligence reports indicated that 26 heavily armed bandits, led by a notorious kingpin named Isiya Kwashen Garwa, were advancing towards Dawan Laila Forest when they encountered the hunters in a fierce gun battle. The hunters successfully neutralized 14 bandits, while three residents were rescued alive.

The operation resulted in the loss of one community hunter named Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, who was killed in the battle, and another hunter, Usman Sunday, who sustained minor gunshot injuries. One of the bandits tragically died after being burned in the vehicle during the encounter.

The Taraba State Police Command reported that only 10 bodies had been recovered and assured residents that they would continue to intensify efforts to protect lives and property. The Katsina State Government also commended the bravery of the security personnel and community hunters who prevented what could have been a devastating mass kidnap. The government urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while providing timely intelligence to security agencies.