From 9 to 12 October 2025, Sunni extremist group, al-Shabaab, launched attacks on Napala village, Mozambique, a predominantly Christian village. The assault resulted in the death of at least 20 Christians with 1,300 homes destroyed, including two churches. Nearly 2,000 believers have also been displaced.
According to a local pastor, the situation quickly deteriorated when the Defence and Security Forces* (FDS) withdrew from fighting the insurgents. “Everything got worse when the FDS tried to intervene without success. When they fled, they left everything worse for those people,” the pastor shares with local Open Doors partners.
A community leader also confirmed the events, sharing: “Since the military were already in confrontation with terrorists, after they retreated, al-Shabaab continued with great fury and attacks which caused all houses to be destroyed.”
Another pastor whose name we cannot share for security reasons said, “We lament the sad death of four elderly sisters who were tied up and burnt inside a house by insurgents.”
It’s estimated that at least 2,000 Christians have been displaced in this attack.
History Repeats: The Attacks Are Nothing New
The village’s district has experienced several violent attacks this year. According to ReliefWeb, “The mass arrival of people, predominantly into Chiure town, took place between 24 July and 3 August, following a series of attacks by non-state armed groups. This was the largest wave of sudden displacement since early 2024 in the province, where an estimated 425,000 people are internally displaced*, according to the International Organisation for Migration.”
Photos received after the attack from Napala village shows burnt out buildings, the village empty, and a church building in ruin. Some villagers tried to return to see if anything could be salvaged.
Please join us in praying for Christians from the village of Napala.
*The FDS includes the Forças Armadas de Defesa de Moçambique (FADM) (Mozambique’s Armed Defence Forces), which is made up of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Please pray:
- Pray for the Lord to comfort the families of the 20 Christians who lost their lives and to heal those traumatised by the violent attacks.
- Pray the Holy Spirit ministers peace and hope to all who mourn.
- Intercede for the more than the 2,000 followers of Jesus who have been forced to flee their homes. Pray that their faith will remain strong despite the loss and uncertainty they’ve experienced.
- Lift up local church leaders who continue to shepherd God’s people amid suffering.
- Pray for justice to prevail and for the authorities to act with courage and integrity.
- Pray that the members of al-Shabaab will encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
- Pray the global Church stands in solidarity with the believers in Mozambique through prayer, advocacy, and tangible support.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
