Cameroon: 20-year-old christian shot by Boko Haram in far north attack

In Cameroon’s Far North region, a brutal Boko Haram attack has left a 20-year-old Christian man, Oumar, permanently injured. The assault, which targeted his village, highlights the escalating persecution of Christians in the area.

Survivor’s account: a life-altering gunshot wound

Oumar was shot in January during an ambush on his village. The attackers, linked to Boko Haram, stormed the area, killing over a dozen people, including his neighbor’s father of seven children. When Oumar refused to follow the militants, they opened fire.

“They dragged me out of town and told me to come with them. I refused. Then they shot me,” Oumar recounted.

The bullet struck his leg, requiring emergency surgery. Despite medical intervention, the projectile remains lodged in his body, causing ongoing pain. Today, Oumar endures chronic discomfort and faces an uncertain recovery.

Boko Haram’s campaign of terror in Cameroon’s Far North

The Far North region of Cameroon is under severe threat from extremist groups. Boko Haram and ISWAP have intensified attacks, targeting Christians with kidnappings, forced conversions, and killings. The region ranks 37th on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List for Christian persecution.

These groups exploit local instability to spread fear, turning villages into battlegrounds. Oumar’s case is not isolated—it reflects the daily violence faced by Christians in the region.

Global calls for prayer and intervention

Following the attack, Open Doors issued a plea for Christians worldwide to pray for Oumar’s healing and for the safety of the Far North. Three specific prayer intentions were shared: