Bandits Kill 16 in Two Attacks in Niger Republic
State radio has reported that 16 people were killed in two separate attacks by armed bandits in southwestern Niger. While the identities of the attackers remain unknown, the raids bear resemblance to recent jihadist operations that have plagued the Sahel region.
According to the report, the first attack took place on the night of February 22-23 in the village of Dioundiou, where the bandits rounded up residents and opened fire, killing 14 people. Two nights later, another assault in a nearby town resulted in the deaths of two more individuals.
The region surrounding Dioundiou, which lies near the borders of Nigeria and Benin, has become a hotspot for jihadist groups, as reported by Nigerien authorities. Additionally, the area is home to a crucial 2,000-kilometre pipeline that carries oil from Niger to Benin.
