More than ten (10) people died in an attack attributed to the rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the territory of Lubero (North Kivu), this Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

According to the military administrator of the said territory, who confirmed the in the ADF targeted the village of Makoko located in the chiefdom of Baswagha where they killed these civilians.

"There was an incursion by the ADF into Makoko. It is a village located near Muhangi in the chiefdom of Baswagha. For the moment, our defence elements are working to reassure the security of the population," said Colonel Kiwewa Mitela, administrator of the Lubero territory.

Civil society speaks out about the confused situation in Makoko after this deadly attack.

"Several civilians were killed by the ADF in Makoko. There were about ten dead. Among the victims was the Mwami of the Bulengya group. They fell into an ambush set by the enemy in Luthambi," declared César Kambale Mughutha, president of the youth in Baswagha.

Following this incursion, socio-economic activities were paralyzed in Makoko, and even in the Muhangi agglomeration, independent sources reported.

"In Muhangi and surrounding areas, activities have been paralyzed following the ADF attack in Makoko. Students were sent home early due to fear," said a local resident on condition of anonymity.

This situation worries local civil society. It calls on the military authorities to quickly get to work to confront the enemy “who wants to destabilize this part that supplies the city of Butembo with food.”

It should be noted that the ADF rebels have, in recent days, intensified attacks in certain towns of Bapere and Baswagha in Lubero territory, causing deaths of men alongside the property of the population reduced to ashes.