Burkina Faso: Catechist kidnapped and killed

Pilgrims praying at Shrine of Our Lady of Yagma, Burkina Faso © ACN

Source: ACN

A catechist was abducted and killed by suspected terrorists last night in Fada N'gourma, east Burkina Faso. Edouard Yougbare's lifeless body was discovered in Saatenga parish this morning (Friday, 19 April), according to local reports received by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

John Pontifex, ACN (UK) Head of Press and Public Affairs, said: "Edouard gave his life on the front line of persecution. He is a martyr who offered his life for God and in service of his community.

"At a time when Burkina Faso has become one of the world's worst hotspots of persecution, where nobody can feel truly safe, we at Aid to the Church in Need stand in solidarity with all those suffering."

Mr Pontifex asked for prayers for the victims' families and all the people of Saatenga.

Two months ago another catechist was killed in Dori Diocese while leading a Sunday morning celebration in a chapel.

The security situation in Burkina Faso has deteriorated drastically over the past few years, with Christians particularly targeted by militant extremists.

Jihadist insurgent groups control around 40 percent of the country's territory, and more than two million people - about 10 percent of the population - have been displaced because of the ongoing armed conflict.

ACN has provided emergency aid - including food - to hundreds of people driven out of their homes by terrorists.

In 2023, ACN supported 56 projects in Burkina Faso with more than one million euros in funding.

With thanks to Conn McNally

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org