Attack on Catholic Church in Burkina Fasso Leaves 15 Dead

Tragedy struck the peaceful village of Essakane in Oudalan province, northeastern Burkina Faso, on Sunday as a Catholic church became the target of a violent attack. At least 15 people lost their lives, while two others sustained injuries during the assault, which occurred amidst Sunday worship.

Details surrounding the attack remain scant, but according to a church official, suspected Islamist militants carried out the assault. The village, situated near the border with Mali, found itself engulfed in chaos as the assailants unleashed violence upon the unsuspecting worshippers.

The news of the attack sent shockwaves throughout the country, yet there was no immediate response from authorities in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, the head of the local diocese, confirmed the grim toll, revealing that 12 individuals lost their lives on the spot, while three succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.