A violent attack was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, by CODECO militiamen on the Rhoo site, located in the Bahema-Nord chiefdom of Djugu territory in the Ituri region. The assault resulted in the deaths of at least four displaced persons, including a woman, two children, and a man who was reportedly a tax collector in the region. Several others were injured in the attack, according to local sources.
According to Charité Banza Bavi, coordinator of the Bahema-Nord civil society, the attack began on Monday morning. The assailants reportedly came from the sectors of Walendu Pitsi, Walendu Tatsi, and Walendu Djatsi to attack the displaced persons' site. The intervention of peacekeepers helped to repel the attack, limiting the damage. Banza Bavi stated that four people were killed and several injured, but the exact extent of the damage is difficult to assess due to limited access to the area.
The victims of the attack included a woman, two children, and a man who was identified as a tax collector. The attack on the Rhoo site has raised concerns about the security of displaced persons in the region. Charité Banza Bavi called for increased protection for displaced persons, stating that a return to their villages of origin remains dangerous as long as security is not guaranteed.
Following the attack on the Rhoo site, the militiamen reportedly launched further attacks on several nearby villages, including Tunga, Seseti, Ghesa, Ngago, Lera, Ngona, Ngaroli, Lingo, Oche, Dizi, Ghetso, and Dhati. The attacks resulted in looting and burning of houses, with a provisional death toll that may still rise due to difficulties in accessing the affected areas.
The security situation in the Ituri region remains volatile, with frequent attacks by armed groups on civilians and displaced persons. The CODECO militiamen have been responsible for numerous attacks in the region, and their actions have been widely condemned. The UN has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the region, with thousands of people displaced and in need of assistance.
The attack on the Rhoo site has highlighted the need for increased protection and humanitarian assistance for displaced persons in the Ituri region. The UN and other humanitarian organizations have called for an end to the violence and for the protection of civilians and displaced persons. The situation in the region remains fragile, and further attacks are feared.
Local authorities and humanitarian organizations are working to provide assistance to the affected populations, but access to the area remains difficult. The UN and other international organizations have expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the region and have called for increased support for displaced persons and other affected populations.
Key points
- Four displaced persons, including a woman and two children, were killed in the attack.
- The attack was launched by CODECO militiamen on the Rhoo site in the Ituri region.
- The security situation in the Ituri region remains volatile, with frequent attacks by armed groups on civilians and displaced persons.
