Togo: at least seven children dead in one or more explosions in the far north of the country

Location of Natigou, in northern Togo.

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Seven children died and two others seriously injured on the night of July 9 to 10 in the Savannah region, on the border of Benin and Burkina Faso, not far from Pendjari Park and the Pama reserve.

In this region, armed groups attack regularly, on the Burkinabè and Beninese side, and in recent weeks, on the Togolese side, there have been armed attacks.

Were these children victims of a terrorist act or a mistake?

At the moment, we really don't know what happened. 

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With our correspondent in Lomé

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The tragedy occurred in Natigou in the northeast of the prefecture of Tône in the savannah region.

Children on bicycles were returning from a ball late at night when they were found dead.

Confusion still reigns over the deaths of these children aged 10 to 15.

Several local witnesses attest to having heard two explosions during the night, which could be similar to anti-personnel mines.

When they got to the scene, the bodies of barely recognizable children were lying on the ground.

Other sources contacted claim that the children were hit by fire from flying machines.

Explosion of improvised device or shooting from drone, impossible for the moment to know what really happened this night.

The area is still patrolled by the defense and security forces and for the moment no official information has been communicated.

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• Togo