Christians amongst victims of ‘unprecedented’ attack in Burkina Faso

Christians are among the many 150 people killed in “unprecedented” attack by Islamist terrorists in Burkina Faso. 

The attack happened last Friday when soldiers and civilians were digging defensive trenches to guard themselves in Barsalogho, central Burkina Faso, based on reports received by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Twenty-two Christians were among the many victims of what ACN described as considered one of the deadliest atrocities in Burkina Faso’s history. 

Bishop Théophile Nare of Kaya called it a “tragedy of unprecedented proportions” and announced Wednesday as a day of mourning for the victims, who also included children. 

“I make it my duty to return and urge you to not let yourselves be defeated but to maintain hope, which is hope that keeps us alive,” he said. 

“I might also prefer to exhort you to penance and conversion in order that the God of mercy may give us the healing and consolation that we expect from him.”

Burkina Faso has struggled to contain the spread of Islamist extremism within the last decade and violence has continued this 12 months with three attacks this month alone. 

The whereabouts of over 100 people kidnapped by gunmen in the beginning of the month stays unknown. They were taken within the Boucle du Mouhoun region of western Burkina Faso.