Boko Haram, the Islamic movement that has conducted a campaign of terror through Nigeria, is also wreaking havoc in Cameroon, a bishop has told Aid to the Church in Need.
Bishop Bruno Ateba of Maroua-Mokolo, Cameroon, said that the world has ignored the violence by Boko Haram in his country. He reported that in his diocese alone, since late last year, two senior diocesan staff, three catechists and more than 30 lay people have been murdered; and there have been numerous abductions.
Bishop Ateba said that Boko Haram has targeted moderate Muslims as well as Christians, burning down mosques and cutting the throats of Islamic leaders who opposed the terrorist group.
At least 2,000 children in Cameroon have been abducted during Boko Haram raids, the bishop added. More than 100 schools have closed because of the violence, and more than 75,000 people have fled their homes.
“Today we beseech your attention, your prayers, and your help,” Bishop Ateba said. “Help us bring an end to this nameless brutality that is destroying all hope for the future and bringing to nothing all the hard work of generations of believers.”
