(Ecofin Agency) - Following the January 9 Islamist attack that killed 89 soldiers in Chinégodar, in Niger, more than 7,000 people fled to Mali and localities near the region, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement.

“In Niger, about 5,000 people have fled to the towns of Banibangou and Oualam, where 7,326 Malians are already refugees. In Mali, nearly 1,000 Nigerien refugees, including unaccompanied children, have crossed the border and are now in the town of Andéraboukane in the Ménaka region, which has already hosted 1,024 Nigerien refugees since 2018,” UNHCR said.

According to the organization, these populations feared for their lives “after an ultimatum from armed groups. They are the targets of attacks, kidnappings or killings, while their property is confiscated by these groups. In their flight, refugees and internally displaced people were only able to take what they were carrying, leaving behind their homes and belongings,” UNHCR said.