Eyewitnesses and local authorities from Nguigmi reported that two people carrying improvised explosive devices blew themselves up in two different locations of the town on in the evening of 26 March. At the same time, several gunmen allegedly set fire to makeshift shelters and tents in camps for internally displaced and refugees, who saw their homes and personal effects reduced to ashes. This was just the latest of a series of violent episodes in the region, as escalating volatility is intensifying people’s suffering and forcing many to flee.

Following the attack, MSF stepped in to support the treatment of the wounded at Nguigmi hospital, evacuating the most severely injured to the regional hospital in the town of Diffa in three ambulances and another MSF vehicle. MSF teams have distributed essential relief items including mosquito nets, jerry cans, kitchen utensils, blankets and hygiene items to 380 families. Our psychologists offered immediate mental health support for children and adults, organising individual and group psychosocial sessions for nearly 400 people. They found that many were struggling with depression, insomnia and other symptoms linked to the traumatic experiences they had undergone.