By Emmanuel Awari – Jalingo
The Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church Nigeria, Cameroon and Senegal Episcopal Area, His Lordship Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel, has expressed profound and heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by the deadly bandit attack on Binari village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The Bishop stated this in a statement signed by Rev. Filibus Bakari Auta, Lead Director of Communication, United Methodist Church Nigeria, Cameroon and Senegal Episcopal Area, and issued on the Bishop’s behalf.
The statement said the attack claimed at least 37 lives, while hundreds of homes were reportedly set ablaze, resulting in the destruction of property worth hundreds of millions of naira and leaving many families devastated, displaced and uncertain about their future.
Bishop Emmanuel described the incident as a tragic and painful loss that has plunged the affected community into mourning.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, those who sustained injuries, individuals who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.
“The loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes and livelihoods are deeply heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to every family mourning the loss of a loved one and to all those whose homes and means of livelihood have been destroyed. No family should have to endure such pain, fear and uncertainty. We stand in solidarity with the people of Binari in this difficult moment,” he said.
According to him, Binari is one of the communities with a United Methodist Church presence under Haske District of the Central Nigeria Annual Conference.
“The attack is therefore a matter of grave concern to the entire United Methodist connection, particularly members of Haske District, who are facing this painful tragedy alongside their neighbours and the wider community,” he stated.
Bishop Emmanuel called on the Taraba State and Federal Governments to rise urgently and decisively to their constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of every citizen.
He urged the relevant security agencies to strengthen security operations in Binari and surrounding communities, pursue those responsible for the attack, bring the perpetrators to justice and take proactive measures to prevent further violence.
The Bishop further called on the government to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected families, including emergency shelter, food, medical care and other essential relief materials.
He emphasized that the displaced and grieving residents must not be left to face the consequences of this tragedy alone.
“The primary responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. The people of Binari and other vulnerable communities deserve to live without the constant fear of attacks on their homes, families and livelihoods. We therefore call on the Taraba State and Federal Governments to take concrete and urgent action to strengthen security, ensure justice for the victims and provide relief to those affected.
While urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that may assist ongoing security efforts, Bishop Emmanuel stressed the importance of unity, peace and mutual support during this difficult period. He also encouraged community, religious and traditional leaders to work together to promote peace and prevent further violence.
The Bishop particularly extended words of encouragement to the members of Haske District and the entire Central Nigeria Annual Conference, assuring them that they are not alone in their grief and distress.
“To our beloved members of Haske District, please be assured that you are in my prayers during this difficult time. I share in your pain and sorrow, and I encourage you to remain steadfast in faith, united in love and committed to supporting one another. Even in the midst of this tragedy, let us hold firmly to our hope in God, who is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. May the Lord comfort the bereaved, strengthen the displaced and grant courage to all those affected,” the Bishop added.
“I call on the wider United Methodist Church family, people of goodwill and the international community to remember the people of Binari in their prayers and extend practical support to families whose lives have been shattered by the attack.
The United Methodist Church Nigeria, Cameroon and Senegal Episcopal Area stands in solidarity with the people of Binari and joins all those mourning the victims in praying for comfort, healing, justice and lasting peace.
May God grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort the bereaved, restore hope to the displaced and guide our leaders toward decisive action to protect every life,” he concluded.