At least 22 people have been killed after armed militias on motorbikes opened fire on a village in western Niger. The attack, which occurred during a baptism ceremony, left behind scenes of devastation as gunmen indiscriminately shot at civilians before moving to other areas and continuing their rampage.
Witnesses said that 15 of the victims were attending the baptism when the assailants struck, sowing fear and chaos among the gathered families. After the initial assault, the attackers moved through the village and nearby locations, killing seven more people and looting homes. Reports indicate that dozens of houses were later set ablaze, displacing residents and leaving many without shelter.
The incident highlights the worsening security situation in Niger’s Tillabéri region, which borders Mali and Burkina Faso. The area has for years been plagued by insurgent groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These groups have intensified their attacks since March, targeting villagers, religious gatherings, and security forces in increasingly deadly assaults.
Just last week, 14 soldiers were killed in an ambush in the same region after responding to reports of cattle theft. The incident underscored the risks faced by both civilians and military personnel, as armed groups continue to expand their reach across the Sahel.
Civic leaders have expressed outrage over the continued exposure of civilians to such attacks, calling on the government to prioritize the safety and dignity of its people. They have urged stronger state presence in vulnerable areas to prevent further massacres and restore public confidence in security efforts.
Since the 2023 military takeover, Niger has faced growing instability as its new rulers struggle to contain the spread of jihadist violence. Neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, which are also under military governments, face similar challenges despite forming a regional alliance to combat the insurgents. All three states have expelled French and US forces, once central to counterterrorism operations in the region, and have since turned to Russia and Turkey for military assistance.
Despite these shifts in alliances, the wave of violence has not subsided. Villagers in border regions continue to live under constant threat, with many questioning when real solutions will be implemented to stop the bloodshed.
The massacre in Tillabéri stands as yet another tragic reminder of the urgent need for coordinated action to protect communities and end the cycle of violence in Niger.
