3/11/2025 DRC (International Christian Concern) — The evening of March 8, Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels launched a violent attack on the village of Ngite in Beni territory, North Kivu, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), killing four people.
Among those who died was a woman who was burned alive in her house. Three houses were set on fire, animals were taken, and other people were kidnapped, leaving the community in mourning and fear.
“They came around 2 a.m. and started killing people with machetes,” said Jean, an eyewitness to the attack. “The screams echoed until around 5 a.m.”
One of the survivors, Osée Kambale, shared his heartbreaking experience.
“The terrorists surrounded the properties before killing the victims,” he said. “I spent the night in a half-burnt house. This village has been attacked several times. Just last year, in February 2024, many children were left orphaned in a similar attack.”
Despite experiencing relief for a brief time, the repeated violence in the region has left the local population in constant fear.
Katembo Kisaki Louis, president of the Batangi-Mbau civil society group, arrived at the scene of the attack early the following day.
“The destruction was devastating,” he said. “People are in shock, the lack of security leaves them most vulnerable due to these repeated attacks.”
The Anglican Bishop of Beni Diocese condemned the assault, calling for an end to the violence.
“Beni is becoming an ocean of tears,” the Bishop said. “Every day, innocent people are killed. The ADF rebels must come to the Lord and abandon their ways of killing innocent people. We are tired of this endless violence. We need peace.”
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