Before dawn on Tuesday, 9 September, more than 70 people were killed when Islamist militants attacked a Christian community in Ntoyo-Mangurujipa, Lubero Territory, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The victims had gathered for a wake when armed fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) stormed the area and opened fire. Men, women, and children were among those killed. Survivors said the attackers also burned homes, vehicles, and motorcycles, leaving families without shelter or belongings.
“This was a deliberate massacre,” said civil society representative Kakule Shangilieni. “The rebels brought death to almost everyone gathered at the mourning site.”
Evangelist John Tumaini, who had visited the village earlier, narrowly escaped. “My survival was a matter of chance,” he said. “Only a few hours after I left, the ADF ambushed and killed many people. It could have been me.”
Local officials rejected speculation that the ADF had been seeking cooperation with villagers. “This is their way of instilling fear,” said Kiwewa Mitela Alain, the military administrator of Lubero Territory. “Like other terrorist groups, their objective is to frighten people into submission. The population has resisted, and this is how the ADF responds.”
Red Cross workers spent Tuesday recovering bodies, while officials from nearby Beni travelled to the area to offer support.
The attack in Ntoyo follows a similar assault in Bandulu in August, pointing to a pattern of targeted violence against rural Christian communities in eastern DRC. Church leaders say believers continue to suffer deeply yet remain steadfast in faith.
“The anguish is heavy, but we continue to pray for peace and God’s protection,” said Rev. Samuel Kambale, a pastor in North Kivu.
Adapted from International Christian Concern.
