Gunmen on motorbikes attacked a village in western Niger, killing 22 people, most of them at a baptism ceremony. The attackers first opened fire on people celebrating in the Tillabéri region, then moved to other areas, killing more. Local activists described the attack as senseless and brutal. Niger’s military government is struggling to stop the increasing violence from armed jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. These groups have carried out many deadly attacks in recent months, killing over 127 villagers and worshippers and burning homes. Despite warnings, authorities are being criticized for not protecting civilians or responding in time. Just days earlier, 14 Nigerien soldiers were killed in an ambush while investigating a cattle theft. The country has been under military rule since 2023. Along with its neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger is fighting the same jihadist threat but has failed to stop the violence, even after forming alliances and removing Western forces.
Pray for the LORD’s intervention in Niger against the increasing violence against innocent civilians by terrorist groups. Pray for divine protection upon all the civilians in the country. Pray for the LORD’s comfort for the families of all the deceased victims (The Holy Bible, Psalm 141:8).
Pray for the Nigerien authorities to take immediate and effective action to end the terrorism in the nation. Pray for the evil-doers behind these attacks to be brought to justice immediately. Pray for divine peace and justice to prevail in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 46:9).
News Source: BBC
Image Source: Canva
