At least 15 people have been killed and two others injured following an attack on a Catholic church in north-eastern Burkina Faso on Sunday.
It took place during Sunday worship in Essakane village in Oudalan province – close to the border with Mali. Few details have been given.
A church official indicated the gunmen were suspected Islamist militants.
There was no immediate response from the authorities in the West African country’s capital, Ouagadougou.
A statement by the head of the local diocese, Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, said 12 people were killed instantly, while three others died at the hospital.
“In this painful circumstance, we invite you to pray for those who died in faith, for the healing of the wounded, and for the consolidation of grieving hearts,” the statement reads.
It is the latest atrocity in the country to be attributed to Islamist militants.
More than a third of Burkina Faso is currently under the control of insurgents.
www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68398473