On Feb. 25, a group of gunmen violently attacked a Catholic church in Essakane Village, located in the Oudalan province.
The assailants opened fire during worship, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 lives and leaving five others injured. Later, three succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
According to a statement from a church official, the attackers are suspected to be Islamic militants.
The head of the local diocese, Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, expressed the community’s grief, saying, “In this painful circumstance, we invite you to pray for those who died in faith, for the healing of the wounded, and for the consolidation of grieving hearts.”
This tragic event marks the latest in a series of targeted attacks on churches over the past three years, resulting in the loss of numerous worshipers. The situation in Burkina Faso is particularly concerning as Islamist groups associated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have displaced millions in the Sahel region, progressively taking control of significant portions of the country’s land. Currently, more than a third of Burkina Faso is under the control of insurgents, posing a severe threat to the safety and well-being of its residents, particularly Christians.
Please continue to pray for Burkina Faso and for the end of Islamic extremism. Pray for those who engage in horrendous crimes against humanity, that they will experience the love of Jesus and be guided from darkness to light. Please also pray for the Lord to protect and strengthen the persecuted church and to provide healing to all of those affected by violence. — International Christian Concern
