At least six dead as ’30 gunmen’ storm Catholic church and open fire in Burkina Faso

At least six people have been killed after around 30 gunmen stormed a church and opened fire.

The attackers are said to have burst into the Catholic church in Burkina Faso as Mass was being celebrated.

Around 20 to 30 gunmen then shot at worshippers – killing five alongside a priest.

The church was later burned down.

According to the BBC, the town’s mayor, Ousmane Zongo, said that there was ‘panic’ as other places had been set on fire and looted.

The latest attack comes just two weeks after five people including a pastor were killed in the first jihadist attack on a church in Burkina Faso.

The attack took place in the small northern town of Silgadji near Djibo, the capital of Soum province, and two others were initially reported missing.

A security source said: ‘Unidentified armed individuals have attacked the Protestant church in Silgadji, killing four members of the congregation and the main pastor. ‘At least two other people are missing.’

It was the first attack on a church since jihadist violence erupted in the west African nation. Muslim clerics and imams have been targeted as well.