Burkina Faso: Islamic Terrorists Kill More Than 150

On Sunday, October 6th, a new terrorist attack took place in the town of Manni, in the East Region of Burkina Faso. Various local sources told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the death toll exceeded 150.

According to ACN, the town is home to a large Catholic community, and many Christians, as well as Muslims, were killed in the massacre. 

Citing sources, ACN reported that the terrorists cut mobile phone networks before attacking the local market, where many people had gathered after Mass.

"They then opened fire indiscriminately, looted shops, and set fire to several buildings, burning some victims alive. The same sources reported that the next day, the perpetrators returned to attack medical staff and kill the many wounded in the city’s hospital. A new incursion took place on Tuesday, October 8th, when the terrorists again invaded the town of Manni, killing all the men they could find," reported ACN. 

Many of the victims were residents from nearby villages who sought refuge in Manni after being driven out of their homes by terrorists. “The situation is beyond horrific,” a local source told ACN. “But even if the terrorists burned everything, they didn’t burn our faith!”

ACN noted that In a message for priests, consecrated people, and laity on October 9th, Bishop Pierre Claver Malgo, of the Diocese of Fada N’Gourma, described the attack as “barbaric” and expressed his “sincere compassion for all the bereaved families,” insisting that “any threat to the dignity of man and to his life must touch the very heart of the Church.”

The bishop also stressed the importance of not losing heart and keeping hope alive “for a better tomorrow,” ACN noted.