Armed bandits kill 20 civilians in West Niger

Armed men killed 20 civilians travelling on a truck in a western region of Niger where jihadist groups are active, locals said.

The attack occurred near the town of Komabangou, according to residents and media reports. The truck, coming from the market town of Mehanna, was intercepted by “armed bandits” near the Komabangou gold mine, a local resident reported.

The attackers “made all the passengers get off, put nineteen men on one side, for no reason, made them lie on the ground, and riddled them with bullets,” said the source, adding that the driver was also killed and the truck set on fire. Women were spared and two other passengers managed to escape, the local said.

Despite a massive army deployment, violence attributed to jihadists continues in the region, targeting civilians and military personnel alike.

Source: AFP