Suspected jihadists in Mali killed at least 30 civilians in an attack on a passenger vehicle in the volatile central town of Mopti, local officials said Saturday.

An elected official in Bandiagara confirmed the death toll, saying the victims included women and children.

The attack has not been claimed by any of the numerous armed groups active in the Sahelian country.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has announced the deployment of 62 soldiers and officers to Mali on a peacekeeping mission.

Patrick Sallia reports