Dozens of people were killed after gunmen attacked Binnari village in northeastern Nigeria, with some residents drowning while trying to escape.

Taraba, Nigeria — At least 58 people have been confirmed dead following an attack by gunmen on Binnari village in Nigeria’s northeastern Taraba State, police said, as security forces continue searching the area for victims and those responsible.

The attackers stormed the community on Friday after Muslim prayers, opening fire on residents, looting shops, and setting property ablaze.

Taraba State police spokesperson Victor Mshelizah confirmed the rising death toll, saying additional bodies were discovered during searches of nearby bushes and a river.

The attack has left families grieving and forced residents to flee their homes, adding to concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria.

Taraba Police Confirm 58 Deaths After Binnari Village Attack

According to police, armed men entered Binnari village shortly after Friday prayers and began shooting.

The attackers also looted businesses and burned property before fleeing as security personnel responded.

Police initially recovered 10 people with gunshot wounds, but subsequent searches uncovered dozens of bodies in surrounding areas.

Authorities said the circumstances surrounding some of the deaths remain unclear.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and police have not publicly identified the gunmen.

15 Residents Drown While Fleeing Taraba Attack

Police confirmed that 15 people drowned after an overloaded canoe carrying residents fleeing the violence capsized.

The victims were among those attempting to escape the village as the attack unfolded.

The canoe tragedy added to the death toll, highlighting the dangers faced by residents trying to reach safety during the assault.

Authorities have not provided a detailed breakdown of the remaining deaths or confirmed how many victims were killed directly by gunfire.

Search operations have continued in areas surrounding the village.

Security Reinforcements Deployed as Investigation Continues

Following the attack, additional security personnel were deployed to Binnari and nearby communities.

Police said investigations are underway to establish the circumstances of the assault and identify those responsible.

Taraba State authorities have also begun providing assistance to families affected by the violence.

The full extent of the damage to homes, businesses, and other property has not yet been established.

Nigeria’s Security Crisis Continues Amid Deadly Attacks

The killings in Taraba come amid persistent insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, where armed groups and criminal gangs have carried out attacks on communities, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.

The violence has placed considerable pressure on security agencies and disrupted daily life in affected areas.

In many communities, residents face the threat of sudden attacks, displacement, and the loss of livelihoods.

The latest incident has renewed concerns about the protection of rural communities and the security forces’ ability to respond quickly to threats.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to establish who carried out the attack and provide assistance to those affected.