At least 22 people, including worshippers at a baptism ceremony, have been killed in a deadly attack in western Niger.
According to reports, armed men on motorbikes stormed a village in Tillabéri region, which shares borders with Mali and Burkina Faso. Witnesses said the gunmen first targeted a baptism ceremony, killing 15 people, before moving to nearby areas where they murdered seven more.If you’re reading from Phoenix, tap ‘Read Original’ above to see the full article and the video.
“While people celebrated a baptism ceremony, gunmen opened fire, sowing death and terror,” local civil rights activist Maikoul Zodi said on social media.
Local media outlet Elmaestro TV described the attack as a “gruesome death toll of 22 innocent people cowardly killed without reason or justification.
Niger has been battling deadly jihadist violence for years, with groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State carrying out frequent attacks on civilians and security forces.
Just last week, Human Rights Watch reported that extremist groups had killed more than 127 villagers and Muslim worshippers since March. Dozens of homes were also looted and burned during the attacks. The rights group accused authorities of ignoring repeated warnings and failing to protect communities.
The Tillabéri region has been one of the hardest-hit areas. Only days before the baptism attack, 14 Nigerien soldiers were killed in an ambush after responding to reports of cattle theft. The army later admitted it was a trap set by armed militants.
Activists and residents have continued to demand stronger government action. On Tuesday, Maikoul Zodi questioned why civilians remained so vulnerable to attacks.
“It is time for concrete answers, strengthen state presence in vulnerable areas, and show that every Nigerien life matters,” he wrote on Facebook.
Niger’s military government has confirmed an attack took place but has not yet released official casualty figures.
Niger, along with its neighbours Burkina Faso and Mali, has been under military rule since 2023. Despite changes in leadership, the three countries have struggled to contain jihadist insurgencies that have killed thousands and displaced millions across the Sahel region.
