US Demands Justice After Taraba Attack Kills 62

The United States has condemned the October 23 attack in Taraba State, where assailants killed at least 62 Nigerians, including children.

The US Bureau of African Affairs, in a post on X on Thursday, extended its condolences to the victims and their families.

“We extend our condolences to the victims and their families, who deserve justice and the right to live safely, freely, and peacefully,” the bureau said.

The US also called on the Nigerian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and to protect its citizens.

“We call on Nigeria to hold accountable those responsible and to protect its citizens,” the post read.

The United States condemns the recent October 23 attack in Taraba State, where assailants killed at least 62 Nigerians, including children. We extend our condolences to the victims and their families, who deserve justice and the right to live safely, freely, and peacefully. We call on Nigeria to hold accountable those responsible and to protect its citizens.

— Bureau of African Affairs (@AsstSecStateAF) October 29, 2026

But police gave a lower toll of 52.

Thousands were also displaced by the violence, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Gunmen from a suspected bandit gang on motorcycles swarmed Binnari, in Taraba state shortly after Friday prayers, killing dozens and looting stores.

NEMA said in a statement that the attack “claimed 62 lives and left 52 persons injured”, based on the report it received from the Taraba state emergency services.

Bodies were recovered in surrounding bushes and in a river after they had drowned while fleeing the attack, according to police, residents and Amnesty International.

“The incident reportedly affected 7,123 persons and displaced 5,187 residents, creating an urgent humanitarian situation in the community,” NEMA said in the statement.

The emergency agency said it was working with local authorities to assess the needs of the people displaced by the attack for the provision of “appropriate humanitarian assistance”.