Violence Strikes Niger: 22 Killed at Baptism Ceremony in Tillabéri

Wed Sep 17 2025 16:50:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A tragic attack in western Niger leaves 22 dead, including attendees of a baptism ceremony. The increasing violence in the region raises concerns over the security response of the government amid a struggling military effort against jihadist groups.

Gunmen attacked a baptism ceremony in Tillabéri, Niger, resulting in the death of 22 people, mostly attendees. The incident is part of a troubling trend of escalating violence in Niger, linked to jihadist groups. Despite the military government's control, security remains a significant concern as past warnings about potential attacks remain unaddressed. This incident reflects broader struggles in the Sahel region, where military forces of neighboring countries also grapple with similar insurgencies.

Gunmen on motorbikes have shot dead 22 people, most of them attending a baptism ceremony, in an attack on a village in western Niger. A resident told the French news agency AFP that 15 people were killed at the ceremony in the Tillabéri region, which borders Mali and Burkina Faso, before moving elsewhere and killing seven others.

While people celebrated a baptism ceremony, gunmen opened fire, sowing death and terror, local civil rights activist Maikoul Zodi said on social media.

Niger's military government has struggled to contain jihadist violence in the region, carried out by groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

The AFP news agency also cited local media outlet Elmaestro TV as reporting a gruesome death toll of 22 innocent people cowardly killed without reason or justification. Niger's authorities have confirmed there was an attack in the area but have not given any casualty figures.

Last week, Human Rights Watch said jihadist groups had increased attacks in the country since March, summarily killing over 127 villagers and Muslim worshippers. Dozens of homes have been looted and burned over the same period.

Mr Zodi questioned why civilians were still being exposed to such insecurity, urging the government to prioritize the safety and dignity of citizens.

Niger has been under military control since 2023 when Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani deposed the country's elected President, Mohamed Bazoum. Its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali, battling the same jihadist insurgency, have similarly struggled to contain the problem, even after expelling foreign forces that were helping with the fight.

Besides scaling back their ties with the West, they have formed an alliance to combat the jihadist threat, turning to Russia and Turkey for security needs. However, violence continues as the military governments face heightened scrutiny regarding their handling of security.