(ZENIT News / Mocimboa da Praia, Mozambique, 09.21.2023).- According to Brother Boaventura, the terrorists arrived in Naquitengue in the early afternoon and summoned the entire population. They then proceeded to separate Christians from Muslims, apparently based on their names and ethnicity. «They opened fire on the Christians, shooting them repeatedly,» the missionary recounted. The attack was claimed in a statement by a local group loyal to the self-proclaimed Islamic State. The terrorists claimed to have killed 11 Christians, but the actual number of victims may be higher, and there are also seriously injured individuals.
Brother Boaventura stated that this method has been used before. The result has been widespread panic in the area. The attacks occurred at a time when «many people were beginning to return to their communities,» leading to an increase in «tension and insecurity.» «We must pray for our brothers who are suffering so much,» added the missionary.
According to Bishop António Juliasse of Pemba, the attacks in Cabo Delgado and the neighboring Niassa province have caused the internal displacement of nearly one million people and the brutal murder of another five thousand.
