In Niger, the serving prefect of Torodi, a town about 60 kilometres south-west of the capital Niamey, has been killed along with his wife and children during an overnight attack on his official residence.

The assault took place between Sunday and Monday and left at least seven people dead, according to preliminary reports. The attack has been attributed to fighters linked to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known by its French acronym JNIM.

Analysts say the killings mark an unprecedented level of violence targeting Niger’s state authorities, particularly as the prefect and his family were attacked inside an official government residence.

The incident occurred despite the presence of special forces units in the area, which has been under a permanent state of emergency due to ongoing security threats.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of Niger, as armed groups continue to carry out increasingly bold operations against state officials and institutions.

Political analyst and journalist Ibrahim Moussa has described the killings as a serious escalation, highlighting the growing challenge facing the Nigerien authorities in securing vulnerable regions close to the capital.

–ChannelAfrica–