Thousands flee Togo homes as Islamist threat spreads

The government in Togo says more than 4,000 people have been forced to flee their homes this year following jihadist attacks in the north of the country.

Among the displaced are Togolese who had to leave their villages, and Burkina Faso nationals who had crossed the border to escape attacks by Islamist militants.

Correspondents say Togo, Benin, Ghana and Ivory Coast are increasingly concerned that the jihadist threat is spreading further south from countries in the Sahel region.

There have been at least five attacks in northern Togo over the last year.

The communications minister said victims of the violence were being helped with psychological support and displaced students would be offered education in schools within host communities.