Ntoyo: The people of eastern Congo are once again grieving after a brutal massacre claimed dozens of lives in the village of Ntoyo, Lubero Territory, North Kivu. On the night of September 8–9, armed men attacked a funeral vigil, killing more than 60 people and forcing thousands to flee their homes. The attackers, believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group linked to the Islamic State, struck with firearms, machetes, and blunt weapons, leaving a trail of destruction and despair.

Houses, vehicles, and motorcycles were set ablaze, and survivors described scenes of terror as mourners were rounded up and killed. Some reports indicate that the death toll may be higher than initial estimates, with figures ranging from 70 to nearly 90. The entire population of the village, around 2,500 people, has fled to nearby Manguredjipa, where they are now seeking refuge under the protection of local and foreign troops.

For communities in North Kivu and Ituri, this tragedy is painfully familiar. The ADF has repeatedly targeted civilians in villages, churches, and schools, spreading fear in a region already scarred by decades of armed conflict. While the group proclaims allegiance to extremist ideologies, many observers believe control over Congo’s vast mineral wealth is a key driver behind their attacks.

Religious leaders have raised their voices in protest, condemning the massacre and appealing to the government to act decisively. The Catholic bishops of Congo urged President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration to guarantee the safety of civilians, warning that the suffering of the people is being ignored. Humanitarian organizations such as Aid to the Church in Need have also called for immediate assistance for the displaced families, many of whom have lost everything.

International condemnation has begun to mount. France denounced the attacks in Ntoyo and Beni, while the United Nations stressed that assaults on civilians must stop without delay. Yet, despite the presence of Congolese forces, Ugandan troops, and UN peacekeepers, communities say they feel unprotected and abandoned.

The massacre in Ntoyo is more than another tragedy; it is a desperate cry for peace from a region that has endured too much bloodshed. Without stronger security measures, coordinated regional action, and sustained humanitarian relief, the people of eastern Congo fear that the violence will continue unchecked. Their message to the world is urgent and clear: stop the massacres, protect innocent lives, and bring lasting peace to their land.