Goma: Five Christians were killed in a violent attack by militants linked to the IS group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local officials and church sources.
The incident took place in a village in North Kivu province, where fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces, also known as ADF, captured the victims and killed them after accusing them of openly praising God. Several houses and small buildings in the area were also burned, forcing many residents to flee to safer locations.
Local church leaders said the victims were ordinary villagers who were known in their community for their faith. They said the attack has created fear among families who now avoid gathering in public or attending prayer services.
A community elder said people are frightened to stay in their homes at night and many have moved into nearby forests or towns for safety. He added that the attack has left children and elderly people especially vulnerable.
Security officials confirmed that ADF fighters were active in the area at the time of the attack. The Congolese army said it has sent troops to search for the attackers and to protect nearby villages. However, they said dense forests and poor roads make it difficult to reach all affected areas quickly.
The ADF began as a rebel group in Uganda but later pledged loyalty to the IS group and became part of what is known as IS Central Africa Province. The group has carried out repeated attacks on civilians in North Kivu and Ituri provinces over the past several years.
Human rights groups say hundreds of people have been killed in similar raids, many of them Christians and other civilians with no link to the conflict. Churches, homes and health centres have also been targeted in past attacks.
The latest killings come only days after another attack in nearby Ituri province, where at least 25 civilians were reported killed in a night raid on a village.
The United Nations and aid agencies warned that violence in eastern Congo continues to displace thousands of families. Many people are now living without proper shelter, food or medical care.
Church leaders and civil society groups have appealed to the government and the international community to strengthen security in rural areas and protect vulnerable communities.
A local priest said the people of the region want peace and safety. He said families should be able to pray and live without fear in their own villages.
Investigations into the attack are continuing, while displaced families wait for improved security before returning to their homes.