More than 130 civilians in Burkina Faso were indiscriminately slaughtered during an overnight raid on Yagha village on 4 June.
Although no particular group has claimed responsibility for this most recent attack, government officials believe the devastating invasion was the work of one of several Islamic jihadist groups operating in the area.
Sources: Release International, International Christian Concern, Wall Street Journal, VOM Poland
While this was the deadliest jihadist attack to date in Burkina Faso, it is one of many that continue to happen each month, particularly in the northern part of the country. It is increasingly clear that Christians are the targets of the violence, as churches and their members are often attacked in destructive raids.
A representative from The Voice of the Martyrs Poland states that the threat of violence initially affected all of Burkina Faso’s citizens equally but, in April 2019, jihadists brazenly announced that they plan to focus on Christians.
“They want to kick out the Christians”, the representative continues. “Christians are on the blacklist. The jihadists come looking for Christians to kidnap or kill them.”
Let us pray.
- Pray that God’s protection and strength for all Christians facing the threat of persecution.
- Pray that His healing and comfort will be experienced by those who have been directly affected.
- Pray for an end to the destructive violence perpetrated by the country’s various militant groups. May those responsible for the attacks experience the transformative love of Jesus.
Lord we pray for comfort and healing for the families of those who have been murdered in these dreadful attacks. We pray that you would stop the attacks and draw the perpetrators to you by your love. Amen
Where is the enforcement of the Declaration of Human Rights?
Father, we pray for your people in Burkina Faso who live under the threat of violence. Would you bring them peace, healing and comfort. Would you lead those perpetrating these acts to repentance if your son Jesus. Amen
Praying
In Psalm 25Vs2-3 we read,
2 ‘I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
O Lord of Hosts’, give hoped increased faith and come to aid of your people whose relatives were so mercilessly slaughtered by those who live according to the flesh and the devil. We pray for your protection and strength for all Christians facing the threat of persecution especially in this Northern region of Burkina Faso. We plead for your healing and comfort to be experienced by those who have been directly affected by this latest indiscriminate slaughter. And Blessed Lord Jesus we plead for an end to the destructive violence perpetrated by the country’s various Jihadist and militant groups. May those responsible for the attacks experience the transformative love of Jesus and know the pouring out of his grace to deep repentance and faith in him. Lord have mercy!
Lord Almighty, may you protect all Christians around the world who are faced with persecution. I especially pray for these believers in Burkina Faso who are targeted by terrorists.
For those directly affected, please bring healing personally and may they have compassion towards those who antagonise them.
May this horrible violence end in Burkina Faso.