Ten civilians were killed in a midnight attack by the CODECO militia on a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province, local officials reported on Tuesday.
Jean Marie Mateso, head of local administration, and Jules Tsuba, a civil society leader, confirmed that CODECO fighters entered a village in Djugu territory around midnight. The village is predominantly inhabited by members of the Hema community.
According to Mateso, the attackers targeted two households, killing 10 people. He reported that some victims were beheaded and their bodies mutilated. The attack occurred near a Congolese military position, Mateso told Reuters.
“There is now strong frustration here as there are many rumors that other villages will be attacked,” Mateso said.
Tsuba added that the bodies remained at the scene on Tuesday morning.
CODECO is one of numerous militias active in eastern Congo, fighting over land and resources. The United Nations has previously accused the group of attacks against other communities, including Hema herders, which could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The incident highlights the ongoing violence in eastern Congo, where various armed groups continue to operate despite government efforts to establish peace and security in the region.
