DRC (International Christian Concern) — Three people were killed by ADF terrorists on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the village of Kungubu, northwest of Komanda, in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Local sources confirmed the attack, which is one of many recent violent incidents causing fear and instability in this eastern part of the country, which is predominantly Christian. 

“Several other civilians went missing after the attack, reportedly abducted by the rebels and taken into the nearby forest,” one local recounted. “The assault caused widespread panic, forcing many families to flee their homes in search of safety in neighboring villages. Others took the Bunia or Mambasa road, hoping to find refuge in larger towns.” 

Before reaching Kungubu, the ADF rebels, an Islamist extremist group with allegiance to the Islamic State group (ISIS), passed through the nearby village of Takumanza, where they looted medicine and supplies from a pharmacy. The attack occurred along the Komanda-Mambasa road, which has become increasingly dangerous due to frequent rebel activity. 

“The ADF rebels came through Takumanza, where they stole from a pharmacy, and then attacked Kungubu,” said Pascal Kisezo, leader of the civil society group in Komanda. “I saw three dead bodies. Since these terrorists have been in the nearby forest, the security situation has become horrible. Many people are leaving their homes, some are going toward Komanda, Bunia, and Mambasa.” 

Mechack Mutuka, one of the community leaders in Irumu territory, also expressed concern.
“We are worried to see that the enemy crossed from the east to the west on Friday, and it is important to say that they were not pursued by the security forces,” he said. “On Saturday, the enemy killed three people in Kungubu.” 

Mutuka further questioned the role of security services in the area.
“The security services in the Walese Vonkutu chiefdom are supposed to do their job,” he said. “We are wondering if they still remember what their responsibilities are.” 

He called on the authorities to take immediate action to stop the spread of these terrorists in this part of Irumu territory, which used to supply food to the trading center of Komanda. 

“We are asking the Commander-in-Chief of the FARDC and the Irumu Territory Administrator to give clear instructions to the soldiers on the ground and local security services to continue their assigned mission instead of getting involved in other matters,” he said. 

This latest attack by the Islamist extremist group ADF has deepened fear among residents. The Walese chiefdom and the Komanda-Luna road have become frequent targets, with many villages attacked, homes destroyed, and people forced to abandon everything in search of safety. 

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