Suspected jihadist militants have killed more than 130 people in Niger

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 08:00 am

Suspected attacks by jihadist groups in villages in Niger’s Tahoua region have killed 137 people. The tragedy was described by the government as a genocide against the people of Niger, and underscored the huge security challenges facing new President Mohamed Bazoum.

Government spokesman ZakariaAbdourahamane said in a televised speech that civilians were being treated in an orderly manner and that the armed gangs had taken a new step towards panic and cruelty.

This heinous and organized attack is one of the biggest threats to Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s new president whose victory in last month’s run-off election was confirmed by the country’s Supreme Court on Sunday.

The attacks on Sunday came on the same day that Niger’s Constitutional Court declared Mohamed Bazoum the winner of the February presidential run-off. Mr. Bazoum will be inaugurated on April 2.

Think In January, 100 civilians have been killed in Niger attacks by suspected militants,  the gunmen shot the men and boys were reported to have been retaliation against villages TchomaBangou and Zaroumadareye of Tillabéri.

The government declared three days of national mourning from Tuesday to offer condolence the families of the dead. .

“Intensified security and sanitation interventions will be carried out in the region and an investigation has been launched to find the perpetrators of these cowardly and criminal acts and bring them to justice,” the government statement said.

Such incidents are common in West African countries such as Nigeria and are currently taking place in the poorest country in the world according to the UN Development Report of 189 countries, Niger is also struggling with jihadist uprisings from Mali and Nigeria.

Hundreds died, nearly half a million people fled their homes, and were severely damaged by the former French colony.