Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, the vicar of the Dori diocese, conveyed the tragic news, stating, "We bring to your attention a terrorist attack which the Catholic community of Essakane village was the victim of today, February 25, while they were gathered for Sunday prayer."

The provisional toll reported by Sawadogo indicated 15 individuals killed and two wounded in the attack, which took place in Essakane village, situated in the "three borders" zone in the northeast of Burkina Faso, near the common borders with Mali and Niger.

Expressing grief and condemnation, Sawadogo called for peace and security in Burkina Faso, denouncing those responsible for causing death and desolation in the country.

This tragic incident is part of a disturbing trend of atrocities attributed to jihadist groups operating in the region. Some of these attacks have specifically targeted Christian churches, while others have involved the abduction of clergy members.

Burkina Faso, situated in the vast Sahel region, has been grappling with a surge in violent extremism since Libya's civil war in 2011, followed by an Islamist takeover of northern Mali in 2012. The jihadist insurgency subsequently spread to Burkina Faso and Niger from 2015.

The country has faced political instability, witnessing its second coup in less than a year in 2022 when Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power. These political upheavals are partly attributed to discontent over the government's inability to suppress jihadist violence.

The toll of the jihadist violence has been devastating, with approximately 20,000 lives lost, and over two million people displaced in Burkina Faso. As the nation grapples with ongoing security challenges, there is an urgent call for international attention and concerted efforts to bring stability and peace to the region.