Islamist Armed Men Kill 22 Villagers During Baptism in Niger Republic

Armed men on motorbikes killed 22 villagers during a baptism ceremony in Takoubatt, Tillaberi region, western Niger, on Monday. Witnesses said 15 people were shot during the ceremony, while seven more were killed on the outskirts of the village.

The Tillaberi region has long been targeted by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. Human rights groups condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and calling on Niger’s military authorities to better protect civilians.

The assault follows the killing of about 20 soldiers in the same region last week. Human Rights Watch noted that Islamic State fighters have executed at least 127 civilians in Tillaberi since March. Conflict data shows nearly 1,800 people have been killed in attacks across Niger since October 2024, with Tillaberi suffering the majority of casualties.

Niger, along with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, is under military rule and has expelled foreign troops who previously assisted in countering insurgents.