Deadly Attack by ADF Rebels in Loselose Leaves 5 Dead
In a tragic turn of events, the village of Loselose in the territory of Beni, North Kivu, was targeted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in a deadly attack that left five civilians dead. The assailants, known for their brutal tactics, struck in the dead of night on Sunday, carrying out the heinous act that has left the community in shock and mourning.
Details of the Attack
According to Ricardo Rupande, the president of the civil society in the Ruwenzori sector, the ADF rebels initially captured a civilian and used them as a guide to navigate the area. The aftermath of their rampage resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, including two women. Rupande described the scene in Loselose as a place of utter devastation, with the attackers emerging suddenly from the fields and launching a brutal assault on the unsuspecting residents.
The Congolese army swiftly responded to the attack upon receiving the alert, engaging the rebels in a bid to quell the violence. This resurgence of violence has reignited calls for urgent action from authorities to address the longstanding issue of ADF aggression and find lasting solutions to ensure the safety and security of the region.
Community Response and Impact
In the wake of the attack, the community is left reeling from the loss of lives and the destruction inflicted upon their homes. Ricardo Rupande reported that in addition to the casualties, houses were set ablaze by the marauding rebels, further exacerbating the already dire situation in Loselose. The population is now preparing to lay the victims to rest, even as daily activities and livelihoods in the area remain disrupted.
Japhet Mapati, the chief of the Ruwenzori sector, confirmed the attack but provided limited details, stating that the death toll currently stands at four. The ongoing spate of attacks by ADF rebels in the region, from Bapere in the Lubero territory to Loselose in Beni, has raised concerns among civil society organizations, who are calling for increased military presence and support to combat the escalating threat.
As the residents of Loselose grapple with the aftermath of this senseless violence, the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of insecurity and conflict in the region has never been more pressing. The tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the precarious situation faced by communities living in the shadow of rebel violence, underscoring the urgent need for swift and decisive action to restore peace and stability to the region.