At least 44 civilians were killed and 13 others injured, including four in critical condition, in a deadly attack carried out by armed assailants on Fonbieta village, located in Kokoro rural district, southwestern Niger, the Interior Ministry announced on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

According to the official statement, the attackers stormed the village unexpectedly, targeting unarmed civilians. The ministry did not specify the identity or motives of the perpetrators.

The region is part of the volatile tri-border area near Mali and Burkina Faso, frequently targeted by extremist groups operating in what is referred to as the “terror triangle.”

The massacre sparked widespread condemnation, with renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable border communities from escalating violence.