Over the past two days, according to local sources, thousands of people in the Tillabéri region of southwestern Niger have fled their villages following an ultimatum issued by jihadists in the area.The exodus began on Thursday night when inhabitants of the eastern villages in the Ouro-Gueladio district started evacuating en masse.Hama Amadou, a state official in Torodi, Tillabéri, reported that families continue to flee the villages to escape the atrocities committed by the jihadists.Mass displacement in Niger fleeing jihadist threat; (Photo Internet reproduction)Approximately seven villages and 19 hamlets on the right bank of the Goroubi River have been emptied of their population, with an estimated 7,500 individuals leaving their homes.Most have sought refuge in Ouro-Gueladio, the capital of the county, while some have headed to Tarodi and the capital city, Niamey.Residents expressed their frustration, stating that local authorities and the military were aware of the three-day ultimatum given by the jihadists but did not take preventive action.Reports from those displaced indicate that jihadists have been burning houses and abandoned barns along the way.The displacement occurred during the agricultural season, disrupting the livelihoods of the affected communities.

The ultimatum was issued after a motorcycle raid by jihadists resulted in the killing of two villagers.The Tillabéri region, particularly its southwestern area, has experienced a significant rise in attacks by jihadist groups since 2021, leading to casualties among military and civilian populations and intermittent displacement flows.