This article from Agenzia Fides tells of the visit of Bishop Martin Adjou Moumouni to the Parish of Saint Pierre de Kalalé following an attack by Jihadists from Niger on September 10. The Parish is under the pastoral care of SMA Missionaries.
“The hostages are still in the hands of the jihadists,” says Bishop Martin Adjou Moumouni of N’Dali, the diocese in Benin whose territory includes the village of Kalalé, which was attacked on September 10 by a jihadist group from neighboring Nigeria (see Fides, 11/9/2025). The jihadists have since returned to Nigeria, taking with them six villagers who are still in their hands (see Fides, 12/9/2025). The population of Kalalé is traumatized, 
and many residents have fled. For this reason, Bishop Adjou Moumouni explained, “I went to Kalalé last Sunday, September 21, to celebrate Mass with the few remaining faithful.” “I tried to reassure them by telling them that Jesus never abandons his flock,” he emphasizes.
According to the bishop, security conditions have improved since the government deployed a large military contingent to the area. “I must thank the government and the army, who have increased the military presence in the region. Now we are better protected,” the bishop affirms. Sisters who belong to the Society of Jesus the Savior, an order of Spanish origin, live in Kalalé. “What is dear to me now is the resolution of the issue of the school run by the sisters,” explains the Bishop of N’Dali. “It is a complex that includes a primary school, a middle school, and a vocational school, attended by hundreds of students, most of whom are Muslims. It is a strong presence to witness to Christ’s love for all people,” emphasizes Bishop Adjou Moumouni. “That’s why I am concerned because the sisters have decided not to reopen the school for the time being,” explains the bishop. “The nuns are rightly concerned that the jihadists could take some of the school’s students hostage in the event of another attack,” says Bishop Adjou Moumouni, who, however, expresses confidence that the issue can be resolved. “We are trying, in agreement with the civil and military authorities, to offer concrete security guarantees to the students and teachers. I am confident that we will be able to reopen the school soon,” he concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/9/2025)