Gunmen killed at least 10 people in an attack on Binnari village in Taraba State, eastern Nigeria, police said on Saturday. The attackers, arriving on approximately 50 motorcycles, also looted food and cash from shops before leaving.

Survivors and a human rights group provided higher casualty figures, with residents and Amnesty International reporting that at least 20 and 40 people were killed, respectively. Amnesty International stated that while police initially confirmed 10 deaths, more bodies were recovered later on Saturday. The attack occurred just after Friday prayers, according to residents.

The gunmen reportedly raided shops, taking foodstuffs, cash, and even motorcycles abandoned by fleeing villagers. A community leader told AFP that the attackers arrived in large numbers, suggesting a coordinated assault on the rural community.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of banditry and armed groups that Nigeria continues to battle in various regions. Taraba State, located in central-eastern Nigeria, has also been affected by these "bandit" gangs, who engage in village raids, kidnappings for ransom, and extortion.

Amnesty International criticized Nigerian authorities, stating that rural communities in parts of the north remain vulnerable to repeated atrocities by armed groups. The organization's Nigeria branch condemned the "utter disdain for the sanctity of life" shown by the attackers.

Banditry has escalated into a significant problem across northwest and central Nigeria. These powerful gangs often clash with security forces in remote, rural areas, exploiting the limited presence of state authorities.

The Nigerian government has been engaged in numerous security operations to curb the activities of these groups, alongside the long-standing insurgency by Boko Haram and its affiliates that began in 2009.

Questions remain about the precise number of casualties and the specific identities of the armed groups responsible for the Binnari village attack. Further investigations by authorities are expected to provide more clarity on the incident and potential measures to prevent future occurrences.