The Christian community in Burkina Faso is in mourning following the murder of two catechists in a violent attack on Saturday, January 25, in the Diocese of Dédougou. The victims belonged to the parish of Ouakara and were attacked close to Bondokuy by two armed men while returning from a training session on the life and ministry of catechists.
According to local sources who spoke to the aid organization Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), four catechists were travelling on two motorcycles. The two catechists on the first vehicle managed to escape into the forest, while the other two were found later brutally murdered.
According to ACN’s local sources, the police commissioner in Bondokuy stated after the incident that this was the fourth murder recorded at this location and there are bandits in the area who want to make the population believe that they are terrorists, in order to carry out armed robberies.
ACN has expressed deep concern about the ongoing extreme violence in the region and has called for prayers for the Ouakara parish community, the families of the victims, and for peace in Burkina Faso, a country that continues to suffer from insecurity and persecution against Christian communities.
By Sina Hartert & Maria Lozano.
