Source: www.worthynews.com
Date: April 16, 2025
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
LOME (Worthy News) – Several pastors in northern Togo are facing “persecution from militant Islamic groups” crossing over from neighboring countries, and several people have been killed, Christians told Worthy News.
In a prayer appeal sent to Worthy News, details emerged about Pastor Gbendja Félidja, who was recently killed by suspected Islamist fighters, leaving behind seven children.
The troubles began in April 2024, “when assailants attacked a Togo village where Pastor Gbendja Félidja had been serving,” said Christian advocacy group Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC).
“While the pastor and several villagers were able to flee to safety, five people were killed during the violent raid,” VOMC recalled. “The Christian leader eventually returned to the village that summer and resumed his ministry activities in the community. On February 7th [this year], however, armed militants invaded the village once again; this time, they forcefully entered Pastor Gbendja’s home. During the invasion, the church leader was tragically shot and then stabbed to death, leaving behind seven adult children,” the group told Worthy News.
Despite the dangers and opposition from Muslims, “Another pastor in the same region continues to minister despite receiving ongoing threats within his community. For the past three years, Pastor Patrice Kokouvi’s crops have been repeatedly destroyed by opposing villagers,” VOMC said.
When asked if he had reported the damages to the police, Pastor Patrice reportedly replied, “If I go to the court system, perhaps [the villagers] will never want to know Jesus.”
Although “he still faithfully serves the community, this pastor is now residing on the outskirts of the village for the safety of his family,“ VOMC said.
PRAYERS URGED
The advocacy group, which supports the believers, explained to Worthy News that it asked supporters to pray for the pastor and the loved ones of late “Pastor Gbendja,” including “family, friends and church members. They mourn the tragic loss of this beloved Christian leader.”
VOMC said it was crucial to also prayerfully remember “Pastor Patrice and his family as they minister the love of Christ to those in their village” amid opposition. Other devoted Christians also need “wisdom and guidance throughout Togo” as they are facing threats of “violent opposition from militant Islamists as well as practitioners of vodun, commonly referred to as voodoo,” VOMC said.
It comes amid broader international concern about the political situation in Togo.
Ruling the tiny phosphate-producing country of 8 million on the West African coast has been a family affair since 1967when Gnassingbe Eyadema seized power in a coup. His son succeeded him after his death in 2005.
Last year, Togo adopted a new constitution that lengthens presidential terms by one year while limiting the number of terms to one.
Analysts said the move will likely allow President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his longtime rule over one of the least developed nations by a year longer than expected.
His supporters argue the changes reduce his powers by transforming the presidency into a ceremonial role. Critics view the move as a coup, arguing that the reforms enable him to remain president until 2031, after which he could be appointed to the new position of “president of the council of ministers,” in effect, prime minister.