India, Jan. 22 -- Gunmen attacked a village in western Niger over the weekend, leaving at least 31 people dead, student organisations and a resident said Tuesday. The attack took place Sunday in the commune of Gorouol in the Tillaberi region, according to a joint statement from the Union of Students Originating from the Commune of Gorouol, the Union of Nigerien Students and other student organisations.

"Thirty-one people were executed by lawless individuals, and four others were hospitalized in critical condition," the statement read. It did not say who was responsible for the attack and no group has claimed responsibility. Several militant groups that target both civilians and the military operate in Niger, including an Islamic State gr...