Kayode ShopekanAT least 37 civilians including 13 children aged 15 to 17 and four women were killed and several others injured in the latest attack in Tillaberi, Niger Republic.
The Regional Director for West and Central Africa, UNICEF, Marie-Pierre Poirier, said it was the third attack that occurred in the village this year, adding that the conditions on the ground remained extremely dangerous for children.
“UNICEF is deeply shocked and outraged by the terrible attacks against children and families by unidentified armed groups in the village of Darey-dey, in the rural commune of Banibangou, Tillaberi region, in western Niger that took place on 16 August 2021,” Poirier, said.
Poirier expressed sadness while sympathising with the victims, families and communities impacted by the brutal attacks.
The UNICEF Director explained that “Insecurity is spreading at a rapid pace in Niger. Attacks in the region of Tillaberi, and along the borders with Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria have led to significant displacement and continue to wreak havoc on the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.
“In conflict-affected areas, the places children rely on for protection and support – including schools, health facilities and protection services have also come under attack. UNICEF and others have repeatedly called for the protection of civilians, in particular children and women, and for the respect of international humanitarian law. Killing children is a grave violation of human rights.”
Poirier noted that the continuing conflict, repeated attacks, and access restrictions due to insecurity and violence were also hampering UNICEF’s ability to reach those most in need.
“UNICEF remains committed to take all measures to ensure the safety of children and their families and to reduce the suffering of the victims. UNICEF strongly urges all parties to stop attacks on children and their families and keep them out of harm’s way,” Poirier said.
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