Nigerien gov't says at least 137 people killed in Sunday's attacks

NIAMEY - At least 137 people were killed on Sunday by unidentified gunmen in several locations in Niger's western region of Tahoua, close to the border with Mali, the Nigerien government confirmed Monday evening.

"In the afternoon of March 21, 2021, Intazayene, Bakorat and Wistane, along with other villages and camps in the department of Tilla (region of Tahoua) were attacked by armed bandits," the government said in a press release.

Security and sanitary measures have been reinforced in the region, and an investigation has been opened to find the perpetrators, the government added.

The government also announced a three-day national mourning starting from March 23, with national flags at half mast across the country.

Western Niger has in recent years suffered terrorist attacks on security personnel and civilians, despite the presence of French anti-terror troops.

In January 2021, 100 civilians were killed by terrorists in the villages of Tchombangou and Zaroumdareye in this region.