Islamic extremists staged attacks on two villages in Niger near its border with Mali, killing at least 100 people, Niger's prime minister said Sunday.
Prime Minister Brigi Rafini travelled to the two villages of Tchombangou and Zaroumdareye a day after the attack.
"We came to provide moral support and present the condolences of the president of the republic, the government and the entire Niger nation," he said.
The villages in the insecure Tillaberi region were attacked Saturday after locals killed two fighters, local officials said, taking place the same day as the West African nation's electoral commission announced that presidential elections would be heading to a second round.
Niger has endured several attacks by Islamic extremists, including the Nigeria-based Boko Haram, and fighters linked to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.