The death toll from an armed attack on the village of Binnari in Nigeria's Taraba State on October 23 has climbed to 62, according to officials. Ladan Ayuba, Taraba State Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the figure while noting that investigations into the assault are still ongoing.
Ayuba added that 52 people were wounded in the attack and that hundreds of residents had been displaced from their homes. Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer Victor Mshelizah warned that the death toll could rise further, stating: "We still have teams in the field. As we reach more bodies, they will be added to the count."
The attackers opened fire on worshippers who had gathered for Friday prayers in the village. Initial reports following the incident put the death toll at 10, but subsequent operations revealed a far greater loss of life.
Nigeria has faced a growing wave of violence in various regions, driven by armed gangs as well as terrorist organizations Boko Haram and ISWAP. Taraba State is among the areas most severely affected by the country's ongoing security crisis.
