Toll in Nigeria 'bandit' attack jumps to at least 50

An attack by suspected bandits in the eastern Nigerian town of Binnari left at least 50 people dead, according to survivors and Amnesty International. The gunmen, who arrived on motorcycles, killed dozens of people shortly after Friday prayers and looted and burned stores. Some victims drowned while attempting to escape the attackers, who chased them towards the river.

Bashir Mamuda Musa, a resident of Binnari, reported finding seven bodies after the attack on Friday and another 43 bodies discovered in the river the following day, bringing the total death toll to 50. Another resident, Abdullahi Zakari, confirmed the new toll and stated that many residents, including women and children, fled towards the river to escape the gunmen, with some drowning in the process.

Police spokesman Victor Msheliza confirmed that some bodies were found in the river, but the search for the victims continued. Amnesty International initially reported 52 deaths, attributing the high number to the large scale of the attack and the burning of shops and market stalls. The group also blamed the Nigerian authorities for failing to bring the perpetrators to justice, which they claim emboldens the bandits to continue committing atrocities with impunity.