Niger Republic: 77 Civilians Killed in Fambita Attack
The death toll from the recent attack on Fambita village in Niger’s Tillabéri region has risen to 77 civilians, according to local authorities. The assault, attributed to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS), occurred during Friday prayers on March 21, 2025.
Heavily armed assailants surrounded the village mosque during the congregational prayer, executing a massacre described by officials as “rare cruelty.” The attackers also set fire to the local market and several homes before retreating.
Initial reports confirmed 44 fatalities and 13 severe injuries. However, as search and rescue operations continued, more bodies were discovered in the debris, leading to the updated death toll. Many victims were found in the burnt rubble, some unrecognizable due to the intensity of the fire.
In response, Niger’s government has declared three days of national mourning and vowed to pursue the perpetrators. The Tillabéri region, near the borders of Mali and Burkina Faso, has been a hotspot for extremist violence, with groups like EIGS and al-Qaida affiliates operating in the area.
This attack point to the ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region, where insurgencies have led to significant civilian casualties and displacement. Despite efforts by regional governments and international partners, stability remains elusive.
