Niger: Armed attack in Tillaberi Region, April 17; at least 19 people killed

Event

Unidentified assailants on motorcycles attacked the village of Gaigorou in the western Tillaberi Region, April 17. The assault left at least 19 people dead and two injured. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack.

Heightened security is likely in the impacted area in the coming days. The armed group remains at large and further attacks are possible.

Context

This is the latest in a string of mass-casualty attacks in western Niger in 2021. In January, dozens of civilians were killed in attacks in Tchombangou and Zaroumdareye (Tillaberi). In March, assailants attacked a vehicle convoy in Banibangou (Tillaberi) killing at least 58 people. Several villages were targeted in the Tillia area of Tahoua region, March 21, leaving over 100 people dead. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attacks; however, Islamist militants operating in the tri-border area (Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso) are suspected of perpetrating the violence. Further armed attacks are likely.

Advice

Adhere to all directives issued by the authorities if operating in the incident area. Monitor for updates on further violence and information on route and destination security, as well as road conditions, before conducting ground movements in affected areas in the coming days.