Gunmen on motorbikes have killed 22 people in western Niger, most of them attending a baptism ceremony. The attack occurred in the Tillabéri region, which borders Mali and Burkina Faso, both known for jihadist activity.
A local resident told AFP that 15 people were killed during the baptism ceremony. The attackers then moved to nearby locations, killing an additional seven people.
“While people celebrated a baptism ceremony, gunmen opened fire, sowing death and terror,” said civil rights activist Maikoul Zodi on social media.
Local media described the attack as “cowardly” and said the victims were killed “without reason or justification.” Niger’s military confirmed an attack occurred but has not released official casualty figures.
Rising Jihadist Violence in Niger
Niger’s military government has struggled to contain jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Human Rights Watch reported a rise in attacks since March, with over 127 villagers and worshippers killed.
Dozens of homes have also been looted and burned. The group criticized authorities for failing to respond adequately to villagers’ warnings and calls for help.
Security Challenges for the Military
Tillabéri remains a dangerous area. Last week, 14 Nigerien soldiers were killed in an ambush while responding to a reported cattle theft. These attacks show the difficulty of protecting remote communities in the Sahel.
Calls for Stronger Protection
Maikoul Zodi urged the government to prioritize civilians’ safety. “It is time for concrete answers. Strengthen state presence in vulnerable areas, and show that every Nigerien life matters,” he wrote on Facebook.
Since 2023, Niger has been under military rule following the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum. Alongside Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger has reduced ties with Western forces and sought security support from Russia and Turkey. Despite these efforts, jihadist violence continues to threaten civilians.
