Gunmen kill 22 after shooting at baptism ceremony in Niger - reports

According to reports, gunmen have killed at least 22 people after attacking a baptism ceremony in Niger. The incident occurred in the western region of the country, which has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency. The attack targeted a village near the border with Mali, where security forces have struggled to contain the spread of Islamist militants. Authorities have not yet provided an official statement on the incident, but local sources have confirmed the significant loss of life. The latest attack underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by Niger's government, which has been working to combat the jihadist threat in the region. Despite efforts by the military, the insurgency has continued to cause widespread violence and instability, with civilians bearing the brunt of the attacks. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for a more effective and coordinated response to the security crisis in the region, as the local population continues to suffer the consequences of the ongoing conflict.