By James Tasamba
KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) — At least 15 people were killed Sunday in a suspected terrorist attack on a Catholic church in northern Burkina Faso, a prelate said.
Catholic faithful were gathered for Sunday service at the church in Essakane village, located in the Sahel region of the West African nation, said a statement by Monsignor Laurent Dabire, bishop of the diocese of the town of Dori, 45 kilometers (27 miles) south of the attack.
"It is in faith and hope that we bring to your attention the terrorist attack of which the Catholic community was the victim. The provisional toll is 15 faithful killed, including 12 on the spot and two injured," said the statement.
"In this painful circumstance, we invite you to pray for the souls of those who died, for the healing of the wounded and for the consolation of grieving hearts."
The cleric also appealed for prayers for the "conversion of those who continue to sow death and desolation in our country."
Burkina Faso has been battling an insurgency that has spread from neighboring Mali over the past decade, linked to the al-Qaeda and Daesh/ISIS terrorist groups.