Dozens of civilians were killed in an attack carried out by suspected Islamic State militants in western Niger, according to local sources.
The attack occurred in the village of Manda as worshippers were heading to Friday prayers, in a region frequently targeted by armed groups.
Residents reported that the death toll could reach dozens, while a Nigerien security source confirmed at least 71 fatalities. The source added that security forces did not intervene, and some villagers survived by pretending to be dead.
Meanwhile, one resident said the army was deployed around the village, but as of yesterday afternoon, Nigerien authorities had not issued an official statement.
The incident comes amid escalating insecurity in the border region with Mali and Burkina Faso.
