The Senate has issued an urgent call for a comprehensive security offensive across the border communities of Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi States following a violent attack by armed bandits in Binnari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, which has claimed approximately 80 lives.
In a decisive resolution passed during Wednesday’s plenary session, lawmakers urged national security agencies to deploy additional troops, establish temporary operational camps, and intensify aerial and ground surveillance throughout the tri-state border corridor to halt recurring violence and safeguard vulnerable rural populations.
The Senate’s intervention followed a motion of urgent national importance introduced by Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau, who highlighted the devastating impact of the Friday, October 23 assault. Gunmen invaded the Binnari community around 3:00 p.m., shortly after Jumu’ah prayers, firing indiscriminately, looting food supplies, and setting homes, shops, and vehicles ablaze. The assailants are believed to have infiltrated the area from neighboring Plateau State.
The persistent, unprovoked killing of innocent and defenseless civilians in rural communities severely undermines the constitutional mandate to protect lives and property. Failure to take decisive military action risks further loss of life, widespread displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis across the region.
Senator Isa Lau.
Security agencies are directed to launch an immediate, coordinated crackdown on bandit strongholds in the border areas between Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi States.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) have been mandated to deliver immediate relief materials and emergency aid to displaced residents and affected families.
Lawmakers observed a minute of silence on the Senate floor to honor the victims of the attack.
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian community is left vulnerable to criminal groups, urging swift execution of these directives by relevant security and relief authorities.
