Residents of Maiba, a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s conflict-ridden North Kivu province, are appealing for prayers after the discovery of dozens of bodies inside a church. The killings, reportedly carried out by Islamist rebels, have intensified fear in the region.

According to sources contacted by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International, the attack took place between February 12 and 15. On February 12, militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist extremist group originating from Uganda, stormed Maiba and took around 100 people hostage. Days later, on February 15, the bodies of 70 victims were found inside a Protestant church.

Reports indicate that many victims were bound and some were beheaded. Women, children, and the elderly were among those killed. The attackers are believed to have forced the hostages to march with them, using them as laborers for their operations. Those who could not keep up were executed.

The massacre comes at a critical time for North Kivu and neighboring South Kivu, where violence has escalated due to ongoing attacks by multiple armed groups, including the M23 rebels. Supported by neighboring Rwanda, M23 has seized key locations, including Goma and Bukavu, sparking concerns that Butembo, North Kivu’s second-largest city, could be the next target.

Local sources describe the situation as dire, with civilians living in constant fear. “We are expecting the rebels to enter the city any moment now, as they are only 70 kilometers away. The psychological suffering is immense,” a resident told ACN.

As the humanitarian crisis worsens, residents are calling for prayers to sustain hope amidst the ongoing violence.