A brutal attack in the northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has left 70 Christians dead, according to the international charity Open Doors. The assault, reportedly carried out by militants linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.
On February 13, suspected ADF fighters—an extremist group associated with the so-called Islamic State (IS)—abducted 20 Christians from their homes in Mayba, Lubero territory. When concerned community members gathered to plan a response, another 50 individuals were also taken captive. The 70 hostages, including men, women, and children, were then brought to a Protestant church in Kasanga, where they were tied up and beheaded, according to reports.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart condemned the massacre, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.
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This horrific attack was carried out by militants with established links to Islamic State. Unfortunately, it is just one of many violent incidents targeting Christians in the country,” she said.
Please pray – 70 people have been found beheaded in a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“We further call on the international Christian community to remain in prayer for Christians and vulnerable communities in eastern DRC,” says a contact.https://t.co/HlhzAUNvOV
— Open Doors UK (@OpenDoorsUK) February 18, 2025
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has repeatedly raised concerns over religious persecution in DR Congo and urged the UK government to take meaningful action.
The UK must not only speak out but also act in defense of those being targeted simply for their faith,” Lockhart emphasized.
The MP recently attended the launch of Open Doors’ World Watch List, which ranks the 50 most dangerous countries for Christians.
“This report sheds light on the severe risks believers face in countries like DR Congo, where simply being a Christian can mean facing violence or death,” she added.
The ADF has been responsible for numerous atrocities in the region, and human rights organizations continue to call for urgent international intervention to protect vulnerable communities.