At least 40 people were killed in an attack on Muslim worshippers during Friday prayers in Fambita, a village near Méhana in Niger’s Tillabéry region.

The attackers stormed the mosque, opening fire on congregants before fleeing the scene.

Nigerien authorities have declared a three-day national mourning period as investigations into the attack continue.

No group has claimed responsibility, but Tillabéry has seen frequent assaults by jihadist militants in recent years.