Local residents and security sources reported on Monday that suspected rebels killed dozens of civilians in a deadly attack in southwestern Niger, close to the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali.
The attack took place in the village of Manda, where Muslim worshippers were on their way to Friday prayers. Locals said the number of victims was likely in the dozens, but authorities have not yet confirmed an official death toll.
“We estimate the number of dead to be in the dozens,” one resident told AFP on condition of anonymity. Another said the death toll was “heavy”, with official figures expected from local authorities soon.
A security official from neighbouring Nigeria told that at least 71 people had been killed in the attack and blamed militants linked to the Islamic State group.
Niger, along with neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, continues to struggle with rebel violence, criminal networks and sectarian conflict. All three countries are ruled by military juntas following recent coups and each has promised to restore security to the Sahel region, which has been plagued by years of unrest.