Gunmen Attack Church in Niger, Kill Husband and Wife

 

A tragic attack in southwestern Niger left a couple dead this week after armed gunmen stormed a church and opened fire, local sources reported on Friday.

The incident occurred in the Dosso region, an area that has long been affected by militant violence involving groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Conflict analysts say the attack highlights the growing insecurity in the Sahel, where civilians and places of worship are increasingly targeted.

Attack Occurs During Church Service

Residents reported that the attack took place late Wednesday night in Mailo village, while parishioners were attending a church service.

“The attack happened around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Christians were attending mass when armed individuals entered and fired into the air. There was widespread panic,” a local source told AFP.

According to an anonymous source, a man and his wife attempted to escape by hiding in their home, but the assailants pursued them, ultimately killing both.

Villagers Flee as Attackers Loot Cattle

The assault forced many worshippers to flee to nearby villages or take shelter in surrounding bushes. Reports indicate that the attackers also stole cattle, heightening fear among local residents.

The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) reports that nearly 2,000 people have died from violent incidents in Niger this year. Despite such attacks, relations between Christians and Muslims in Niger are generally peaceful.

However, jihadist groups have previously been implicated in church attacks in Tillaberi between 2018 and 2021. The same region also experienced the killing of 111 Muslim worshippers earlier this year.

Source: Gistreel