Oumar’s bullet wound prolongs anguish of brutal attack

Please pray for Oumar in Cameroon. After surviving a Boko Haram attack, a bullet remains dangerously lodged in his leg, prolonging the physical and mental anguish of the brutal attack.

Oumar was left for dead when Boko Haram militants attacked his community in north Cameroon. Incredibly, he survived. However, a bullet remains dangerously lodged in his leg, reminding him of the brutality of what happened. 

More than 12 people were killed when the militants attacked on 20 January 2026. Oumar’s neighbour was amongst those who lost their lives.  

“After he died, we spent the day digging the grave and buried him,” Oumar recalls. “In the evening, Boko Haram returned. They pulled out Adama, the elder brother of the one who died, and me. After taking me out of the city, I told them I would not go with them. I cried for help, and then they shot me.” 

Adama – married and a father of seven – was tragically killed. Oumar was shot in the leg.  

“Boko Haram shot me” 

“After they touched my head to check if I was dead (still breathing), they left me and went away,” he remembers. “When they left, I cried and cried. My mother arrived and found me, and then more people arrived to help. They asked me what happened, and I told them that Boko Haram shot me.” 

Unable to walk, Oumar was rushed to Mora District Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He spent about 20 days in hospital. 

Oumar currently lives with his cousin and continues to receive medical care. Expenses have so far been covered through family, church contributions and the goodwill of struggling Christians from his own community.  

However, the bullet remains dangerously lodged in his body. “The hospital tried to remove it, but it was complicated. I wait for God to help me in my suffering,” he says. 

Open Doors local partners have visited Oumar, as well as Hajara (Adama’s widow), to pray with them and encourage them.