Catechist is kidnapped and killed in Burkina Faso
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses its deepest concern and sorrow following the kidnapping and subsequent killing of the catechist Edouard Yougbare from the parish of Saatenga in Fada, Gourma, Burkina Faso.
The catechist was abducted by terrorists last night, and his body was found near Zigni this morning. According to local sources, others were kidnapped and killed as well.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Yougbare,” said Maria Lozano, the head of press at ACN. “He served his community faithfully, and his death is a devastating blow to the people of Saatenga. Catechists in Burkina Faso are on the frontline, risking their lives for the good of their people. Just two months ago, another catechist was killed in the Diocese of Dori, while leading a Sunday morning celebration.”
ACN asks for prayers for the victims’ families and all the people of Saatenga, who are deeply affected by these events.
The security situation in Burkina Faso is now drastic, with Christians being targeted by terrorist groups inspired by Islamic extremists. The violence in the country can be seen as part of a wider conflict, which involves several countries in the Sahel region, including Mali, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.
In these difficult times, ACN is committed to supporting the Church in Burkina Faso. In 2023, ACN supported 56 projects in Burkina Faso, with more than one million dollars in funding.
