DRC (International Christian Concern) — The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) launched a deadly raid early last week on the village of Lufodu, in Beni, Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing 20 people.

According to Kinos Kathuo, president of the civil society branch in Mamove, the victims had been camping in their fields as they farmed when the rebels struck.

“They massacred eighteen people on the spot and two others later succumbed to their injuries,” Kathuo said. “These were ordinary farmers who had gone to guard their crops overnight. They were unarmed, unsuspecting, and completely defenseless.
“The bodies of the victims have since been transported to Oicha for burial. The entire community is in shock. Families are mourning, and some parents are still searching for missing relatives.”

In addition to the loss of life, the attackers also set several vehicles ablaze before fleeing the scene.

“These terrorists torched seven motorcycles and three bicycles belonging to innocent civilians,” Kathuo added.  “For most of these families, those motorcycles were their only means of transport and livelihood. Destroying them is like cutting off their ability to survive. The rebels clearly intended not only to kill but also to leave deep scars on the community.”

Kathuo noted that the extent of the damage was mitigated thanks to the timely intervention of the joint FARDC–UPDF forces.
“Had the joint FARDC-UPDF forces not responded quickly, the death toll could have been even higher,” he said. “Their arrival forced the attackers to retreat, which helped prevent further bloodshed. We are grateful for their swift action, but it is clear that more must be done to protect civilians before such tragedies occur.”

To break the cycle of terrorist violence in Beni Territory, Kathuo emphasized the need for strong cooperation between the civilian population and the national army.

“We urge the population to support the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) by sharing timely information and reporting suspicious movements,” he said. “The army cannot be everywhere at once. Our people must understand that security is a shared responsibility. Only through trust and collaboration can we end these repeated massacres.”

This latest massacre comes just days after a similar attack in Mabasele and Mbimbi/Oicha, the administrative center of Beni Territory. That earlier incursion, which took place in the Mabasele neighborhood, left five people dead, including a 2-year-old.

“This cycle of killings cannot become our normal,” Kathuo warned. “We are losing our children, our women, our men, and our future. If nothing is done, our villages will empty out from fear. The government must treat this as an urgent priority.”

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