A village in the eastern Congolese province of Ituri was attacked by armed individuals, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 18 lives and leaving 12 others injured, as reported by a local official on Thursday.
The area is infested with numerous armed factions, and the pervasive violence has compelled millions to abandon their residences.
Colonel Jean Siro Simba Bunga, the administrator of Irumu territory where the attack occurred, revealed that the attackers had incinerated three bodies, with plans to inter another 15 victims.
“We are deploring this situation,” he said, blaming local militia for the “needless deaths.”
Survivor Alain Kalito reported that the victims included children, and his father sustained severe injuries.
“It has been difficult to identify the perpetrators, as we were all scared and fled after they entered,” he said.
Christophe Munyanderu, who serves as the coordinator of a Congolese human rights organization for Irumu territory, noted that the attack had once again displaced many people.
Christophe Munyanderu, who serves as the coordinator of a Congolese human rights organization for Irumu territory, noted that the attack had once again displaced many people.