Multiple sources report that at least seven people, including a child, were killed and several others were abducted in an attack attributed to alleged members of the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia in the Djugu territory, located in Ituri province in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The incident marks one of the deadliest flare-ups in a region long scarred by cycles of violence and militia competition.
Local reporters and radio outlets have detailed that the assault occurred on a Tuesday across three mining sites within the territory. The victims are described as gold miners and traders who were temporarily operating in these mines, highlighting the vulnerability of small-scale mining communities to armed violence. In the aftermath, raiders looted homes and commercial premises, and civilians were fired upon during the chaos. The immediate toll is likely to rise as rescue teams and community members continue the search for missing and further injured individuals [Radio Okapi, as reported by local outlets].
The provisional death toll includes three women and a child, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the attack and the broader impact on families and neighborhoods. Authorities and humanitarian partners have stressed that the numbers may increase as recovery missions extend into more remote areas and as displaced residents attempt to reclaim belongings amid ongoing insecurity. The attackers reportedly took hostages to facilitate the movement of stolen goods, complicating efforts to secure the release of captives and ensure safe access to survivors [Radio Okapi, various local reports].
CODECO is described as a primarily Lendu-affiliated armed group. Its recent upsurge in operations has revived memories of past clashes between the Hema and Lendu communities in the late 1990s and early 2000s, pulses of violence that left tens of thousands dead and caused massive displacement across Ituri. The region has long been a flashpoint, with multiple armed actors operating across Galina, Djugu, and neighboring zones, challenging authorities, and complicating humanitarian access. The current confrontations come amid a broader pattern of intercommunal tension, competition over grazing rights, and political representation that have repeatedly drawn in regional militias and external actors. The latest attacks have renewed fears about the safety of civilians, miners, and traders who rely on this volatile frontier for their livelihoods [RADIO OKAPI and regional analyses, summarized].
Humanitarian organizations continue to monitor the situation and assess the needs of communities affected by the violence. They emphasize the importance of protection, safe corridors for aid delivery, and early warning systems to prevent further atrocities. Local leaders have urged calm and dialogue, while international partners call for restraint and accountability for those responsible. The broader security environment remains fragile, with the risk of further attacks and reprisals shaping daily life in Djugu and surrounding areas. As morgues, clinics, and community centers brace for ongoing strain, residents persist in the hope that stabilization efforts, enhanced security patrols, and sustained humanitarian access will gradually reduce the risks to civilians and enable families to rebuild their lives [humanitarian briefings and on-the-ground reports].