Abdoul Salam Maïga, a Quranic teacher running a local religious school in Tonka, was enjoying a conversation with friends in his neighborhood’s traditional gathering spot when armed Jnim militants interrupted the peaceful moment. They forcibly took him away under threats, according to local elders who witnessed the scene. Within hours, his lifeless body was discovered in a public execution by gunfire.

While some speculate the killing may stem from religious disagreements—suggesting he may have rejected demands to collaborate with the group—most residents believe his fatal fate was sealed by rumors of his alleged ties to Malian security forces. The teacher’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, reigniting fears in a region already scarred by violence.

Tonka, along with neighboring towns like Diré, Goundam, and Tombouctou, has become a focal point of unrest. Earlier this year, the area mourned Mariam Cissé, a young social media influencer publicly executed for her outspoken support of Mali’s military. Just weeks later, Amadou Baby, a youth organization leader in Tonka, was gunned down in broad daylight. Though the militants accused his group of aiding government forces, no military presence exists in the town, leaving locals baffled by the accusations.

A resident of the area shared, “These killings have left everyone in shock. The entire region is trembling with fear.” The pattern of violence continues to deepen the climate of terror gripping Tombouctou’s surroundings.