Attack on Sunday service in Burkina Faso kills at least 15 believers
Please join us in praying for our family in Burkina Faso following a deadly attack on a church service.
Burkina Faso has risen three places to number 20 in the latest World Watch List
At least 15 believers have been killed when suspected Islamic militants opened fire on a church service in Burkina Faso. The incident happened on Sunday (25 February) at a church in Essakane Village, Oudalan province, in the north east of the country.
“In the morning at 8am, the Christians were gathered in chapel for the Sunday mass," shares Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, head of the local diocese. "Suddenly, some men arrived on motorcycles. They opened fire on the Christians in the chapel, only targeting the rank of men and shot them all. Thirteen died on the spot, two were seriously injured. They succumbed to their injuries once transported to the clinic."
"We invite you to pray for those who died in faith..." Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo
"A little boy who was sitting by his dad's side was also killed," he continues. "The only two men who survived were those sitting with the women because they are part of the choir.
“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.”
Worsening persecution
“Burkina Faso has been known for religious tolerance and social cohesion amongst people, however the growing Islamic insurgency threatens the peaceful coexistence of the Burkinabe,” explains Jo Newhouse, Open Doors spokesperson for the work in sub-Saharan Africa.
Shoes of all those who attended the service
“Christians have been disproportionately impacted by the growing insurgency in the north of the country, with churches and Christian communities singled out in attacks, while Muslims who do not side with the Islamic extremist groups have also suffered greatly,” she continues.
Burkina Faso has one of the worst displacement crises in the world, and Christians are among the many who have been forced to flee their homes for safety.
The country rose several places to number 20 in the latest World Watch List due to very high levels of violence against Christians, together with worsening pressure in private, community and national spheres of life.
“Please pray for the attackers, pray that they will meet Jesus and repent of these wicked attacks," asks Open Doors local partners. "May this incident not be in vain and pray that God will use it to grow and strengthen the church in northern Burkina Faso.”
