An unnamed source told Reuters that the assailants were believed to belong to Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram

France24 reported that the victims, all Nigerien, were shot dead at a site in Toumour, a village near the border with Nigeria where they had been drilling two deep-water wells. A local official in Diffa reportedly blamed the attack on Boko Haram militants and a local resident said the gunmen had “looted many shops” and carried off food “in a Foraco vehicle”.

The incident took place despite the fact that the facility where the workers were staying was chosen by the French firm based on recommendations made by the West African country’s military, which was also providing security services.

An unnamed source told Reuters that the assailants were believed to belong to Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram, which has been fighting to establish a presence in the area since 2009.

Following the attack, injured personnel is being evacuated by the company and local authorities to the nearest hospital. They are also setting up support for the families of the victims.

Foraco, the world’s third largest mineral driller, is working in Niger by request of the Ministry of Water. The company is drilling a pair of deepwater wells for a refugee camp.