The Nigerian Senate has called for an intensified security operation across border communities in Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states following reports that about 80 people were killed in an attack on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The lawmakers urged security agencies to establish additional security camps and strengthen surveillance in affected areas to prevent further violence, safeguard residents and restore peace.

The resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau during Wednesday’s plenary, as concerns mount over repeated attacks on rural communities and the growing number of casualties.

Presenting the motion, Lau expressed concern over the killing of innocent civilians, noting that the attacks had heightened insecurity, forced residents to flee their homes and disrupted normal life in the affected communities.

He warned that the continued activities of armed bandits in rural areas undermined the government’s constitutional obligation to protect lives and property.

The Senate cautioned that failure to address the recurring violence could result in more deaths, destruction of property, displacement and worsening humanitarian conditions.

The lawmakers therefore called on security agencies to take decisive action against those responsible for the attacks and ensure that vulnerable communities were no longer exposed to persistent threats from armed groups.

In addition to the security measures, the Senate urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the North-East Development Commission to provide urgent relief materials to residents affected by the violence.

The lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who lost their lives.

Meanwhile, reports on the death toll from the Binnari attack have differed. While the Senate cited approximately 80 fatalities, subsequent accounts from the community put the number at about 50.

The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, October 23, shortly after Jumu’ah prayers, when gunmen stormed the community at about 3 p.m., opened fire and looted food items from shops and homes.

The attackers were also said to have set shops and motorcycles ablaze, sparking panic among residents and causing further damage to property.

There were also reports that the gunmen may have entered Taraba from neighbouring Plateau State, raising concerns about security gaps along state borders and the need for coordinated operations across affected areas.

The Senate’s intervention comes amid persistent security challenges in parts of Nigeria’s North-East and North-Central regions, where armed groups continue to threaten rural communities, disrupt economic activities and force residents from their homes.

The proposed deployment of additional security personnel, improved surveillance and emergency relief is intended to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities and address the immediate needs of those affected by the attacks.