Deadly attack on Catholic Church in Burkina Faso highlights ongoing threat of Jihadist violence

At least 15 worshippers lost their lives and two others sustained injuries in a brutal attack carried out by jihadists at a Catholic church during a Sunday mass in northern Burkina Faso.

The assault, which targeted the Catholic community of Essakane, occurred while the Sunday service was underway, according to Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, the vicar-general of the Catholic Diocese of Dori.

Abbot Sawadogo provided grim details, stating that the attack resulted in the deaths of 15 faithful, with 12 killed instantly and three succumbing to their wounds later at a health centre where they were transported. Additionally, he noted that two individuals were wounded in the attack.

Expressing hope for peace and security in Burkina Faso, the priest strongly condemned the perpetrators responsible for perpetuating violence and despair in the country.

Burkina Faso has been plagued by frequent attacks since 2015, attributed to jihadist groups affiliated with either al-Qaeda or the Islamic State. These attacks have led to the loss of approximately 20,000 lives and the displacement of over two million people.

Churches have often been targeted in these attacks, and incidents of Christian priests being abducted have become increasingly common, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by extremist violence in the region.

Source: ANA-MPA / orthodoxtimes