A “terrorist” attack on a Catholic church in northern Burkina Faso has led to the death of at least 15 civilians and 2 others, seriously injured.

The vicar of the Dori diocese in Burkina Faso, Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, said this on Sunday saying the victims were attacked while they were gathered for Sunday mass in a catholic church in Essakane village.

Sawadogo called for peace and security in Burkina Faso, as reports say this is just the latest in a series of atrocities blamed on jihadist groups active in the region, some of which have targeted Christian churches while others have involved the abduction of clergy.