The Most Deadly Day In The History Of Niger: One Hundred Killed In Islamic Military Attacks

Photo illustration (Will Porada / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Islamic militant attacks in two villages in West Niger have killed a hundred people. The news was conveyed by the Prime Minister (PM) of Niger Brigi Rafini, while declaring the tragedy to be the deadliest day in Niger's history.

The announcement was made by Rafini himself in a speech broadcast by national television to launch Reuters on Monday. However, Rafini was reluctant to specify who the main mastermind behind the two Islamic militants was. Rafini only mentioned that among a hundred people who were killed, 70 of them were civilians.

The attack coincided with the announcement of the results of the first round presidential election by the local election commission. The candidate from the ruling party, Mohamed Bazoum, expressed his condolences.

Brigi Rafini said the attack reminded Niger of the huge and real threat the terrorist group poses to the country. Niger has been repeatedly attacked by Islamic militants, both linked to Al Qaeda and ISIS. The violence has now turned into a security crisis in Niger.

Outside Islamic militant groups, Niger has also experienced heartbreaking incidents such as revenge killings between two rival ethnic groups in Niger. The cause is the struggle for natural resources in Niger.