The attack, which occurred during morning mass at a Catholic church in the village of Esakan on February 25, shows the continued violence against Christians in this region, one of the most dangerous for believers in Jesus.
Twelve people died instantly and three others died in hospital, according to a statement shared with Open Doors by Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, Abbot of the Diocese of Dori. “At this tragic time, we ask you to pray for those who have died in faith, for healing for the injured, and for comfort in the grieving,” the statement said.
Little is known about this attack, but news report Sharing that an armed group opened fire on worshipers during a church service on Sunday. “Church officials suggested the gunmen were suspected Islamic extremists.”
Esakan village in Audalam region, near the border between Mali and Niger. “In the Sahel region, the jihadist insurgency primarily affects Mali, Burkina Faso, and to a lesser extent Niger. The epicenter of the conflict is the Liptaco-Gourma region, a border area between the three countries. “Central Mali and northern Burkina Faso are currently experiencing the worst levels of violence following the withdrawal of French troops from both countries.” defense web An analysis of the growing insurgency in SSA.
at least 2000000 One in ten people in Burkina Faso is internally displaced due to the country’s deteriorating security, and at least 800,000 People are effectively living under siege by Islamic militants.
Burkina Faso is known for its people’s religious tolerance and social cohesion, but a growing Islamic insurgency threatens Burkina Faso’s peaceful coexistence. Christians have been disproportionately affected by the growing insurgency in the north of the country, with churches and Christian communities being singled out for attacks, while Muslims who do not side with Islamic extremist groups have also suffered greatly. “We’re receiving it,” OD spokesperson Joe Newhouse said. Work at SSA.
Open Doors began operating in Burkina Faso in 2019 amid a sharp increase in jihadist violence. Our vision is for the Church to respond to persecution by spiritually empowering its members and caring for those most affected through training (persecution awareness), relief efforts, and spiritual and trauma care. It’s about being able to respond biblically.
Update from the field 202/02/27
Those working on the scene were able to contact Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo about the attack on Sunday, February 25th, who said: Suddenly, several men on motorcycles arrived. They opened fire on the Christians in the chapel, targeting only the men and killing them all. Thirteen people died on the spot and two were seriously injured. They succumbed to their injuries after being taken to a clinic. The boy, who was sitting by his father’s side, also died. The only survivors were two men who were sitting with the women as part of the choir. After completing their dirty work, the jihadists rode back on their motorbikes, much to the shock of the survivors. ”
Videos received from local contacts show the church floor covered in blood, benches pushed aside and worshipers’ shoes piled up.
Our local partners have shared this additional prayer request. “Pray for the attackers. Pray that they will meet Jesus and repent of this evil attack. I hope that this event will not be in vain and that God will use it to grow the church in northern Burkina Faso.” I pray that you will strengthen me and strengthen me.”
Prayer points:
- Please pray for the church in Esakane Village. May the Spirit of God comfort them. Please pray for the Lord to draw close to those who are saddened and traumatized by this attack.
- Pray for church leadership. May God grant them wisdom on how to serve those affected and guide them through this difficult time.
- Pray for the faith of believers in northern Burkina Faso. May these things only strengthen their trust in God, and may they never get tired or overwhelmed by what is happening around them.
To speak with an Open Doors U.S. representative about this alarming incident, please contact Melany Ethridge at: [email protected]. To view Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List Report highlighting the dangers for followers of Jesus in the Mali/Niger/Burkino Faso region, please visit: https://www.opendoorsus.org/
About Open Doors US
Founded in 1955 by internationally bestselling authors Brother Andrew. divine smugglerOpen Doors serves persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries and is known for its annual events. world watch lista ranking of the top 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution and discrimination for their faith. Open Doors US is one of 25 national Open Doors International (ODI) affiliates worldwide. Ryan Brown is President and CEO of Open Doors US.
Image credit: ©Getty Images / Juanmonino
