At least 16 people have been killed in two separate attacks by armed assailants in southwestern Niger, state radio reported on Wednesday.
The first attack occurred on the night of February 22-23 in the village of Dioundiou, where gunmen rounded up residents before opening fire, killing 14 people. Just two nights later, another assault in a neighboring town claimed two more lives.
While the attackers remain unidentified, authorities believe the raids bear striking similarities to recent jihadist operations that have destabilized the central Sahel region.
Dioundiou, which shares borders with Nigeria and Benin, has long been a hotspot for extremist activity. The area is also home to a 2,000-kilometer pipeline transporting Niger’s oil to Benin, further complicating security challenges in the region.
The surge in violence underscores the growing insecurity in Niger, where armed groups continue to wreak havoc on vulnerable communities.
