Local leaders, civil society representatives and traditional Dozo hunters confirmed the coordinated assaults by the Jnim jihadist group between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday, targeting five villages in the Bandiagara region.

The villages of Logo, Soulakanda and Dimbal in Dimbal commune, along with Ogossagou and Kouroundé in Bankass commune, bore the brunt of the violence. Clashes erupted as jihadists faced off against traditional Dozo hunters, who often fill security gaps left by the national army in remote areas.

Initial reports indicate nearly two dozen fatalities, including both Dozo hunters and civilians. A local Dozo leader expressed frustration over the military’s failure to respond during the attacks, noting that no official statements have been issued regarding the incident.

fear of further violence drives mass displacement

Residents, gripped by terror of additional assaults, fled toward nearby towns such as Bankass, where displaced populations are already severely strained. Humanitarian aid providers are raising concerns about the ability to support the growing number of displaced families. Earlier this month, similar attacks in the same area claimed over fifty lives.

A Jnim spokesperson had previously warned of intensified strikes on villages harboring Dozo bases that refuse to comply with local agreements imposed by the group.