Armed groups and terrorists continue to be a great menace in Niger. Not to mention the reigning terrors and loss of civilians’ lives that have spread to Burkina Faso and Mali. The French and Nigerian government are working hand in hand to bring justice to murderers of six French aid workers, a Nigerian guide and driver. This took place on Sunday at a giraffe reserve near Koure. Koure is 40miles away from the capital Niamey, a town that Niger has deemed to be safe over the years. Well, not anymore.
Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella, the governor of Tillaberi affirmed that casualties were intercepted and consequently met their unexpected death. Tillaberi is located northwest of Niamey. The region is believed to be a hideout for the Sahel’s armed groups such as the Islamic state. Reports have confirmed that the troop came in motorcycles and interjected them.
International efforts in the help for hunting the killers of the aid workers
The French anti-terror prosecutors have consequently launched an investigation. This is in regards to the charges of murders with links to a terrorist enterprise and criminal terrorist association. There are also 5,100 French militants in the shale region. They are providing air support which is helping in the operation of locating the armed group.
The merciless killings
According to reports and pictures taken from the crime scene, the victims were mostly shot. However, one victim had her throat slit. It was believed that she had succeeded in her efforts to escape. The murderers caught up with her and coldly ended her life.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle was also evidenced to bear bullet holes in the rear window. It was also torched and the lifeless bodies of the victims laid side by side next to it. They took the bodies to Niamey. The French president Emmanuel Macron, together with the Nigerian and Malian presidents, Mahamou Issoufou and Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has agreed the killings were cowardly and barbaric.
Measures taken.
Recently, the use of motorcycles has been put on hold until the investigations are clear. Likewise, the banning of motorcycles is aimed at also reducing the movement of the troops. This was implemented earlier this year January. A similar incident was reported 9 years ago that is the year 2011, where two young men Antoine De Leocour and Vincent Delory were killed.
The government is hoping that peace and safety is restored in the region and the Koure area continues to be a sanctuary to its people both local and foreign. Koure region also serves as a sanctuary to hundreds of west African giraffes.
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