Attack by ADF in Lubero: Death Toll Rises to Thirty
The attack by the ADF in Makoko and Luthambi near the Muhangi agglomeration in the territory of Lubero on Wednesday, January 15, has taken a grim turn. The initial death toll of 14 civilians has now been revised to around thirty, as confirmed by local sources including the civil society and the military administrator of Beni. The aftermath of the attack has left several bodies lying on the ground, yet to be recovered.
New Wave of Violence Targets Community Volunteers
On Thursday, as young volunteers from the grieving community attempted to retrieve the bodies of the victims, they found themselves facing yet another attack. Although this second assault did not result in fatalities, it left one person injured by a gunshot, according to Kambale Maboko, the president of the civil society forces in Musienene. The situation remains tense, with bodies still unclaimed and the community in distress.
Urgent Calls for Solidarity and Aid
The recent incursion has triggered a mass exodus of families towards Musienene, where many are forced to spend nights under the open sky without enough food supplies. Some are fleeing towards Butembo in search of safety. Kambale Maboko has issued a heartfelt plea for solidarity and humanitarian assistance, urging the government and humanitarian partners to intervene urgently to support these vulnerable citizens in their time of need.
Security Forces Deployed to Combat Threat
In response to the escalating violence, the spokesperson for Sokola 1 operations, Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, has assured that reinforcements have been dispatched to the area to protect the population and eliminate the looming threat posed by the ADF. Efforts are ongoing to neutralize the rebels and restore peace to the region, which has been plagued by weeks of instability and violence.
As the situation in Lubero continues to deteriorate, with reports of increasing casualties and widespread destruction, urgent action is required to address the growing security crisis in the area. The residents are in dire need of support and protection to prevent further loss of life and devastation. It is crucial for authorities and humanitarian organizations to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.
Josué Mutanava, reporting from Goma