The Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo is once again in shock with the worrying rise of the “Yuda” phenomenon in the Djugu territory. The Civil Society of Congo (SOCICO) is sounding the alarm over a series of kidnappings followed by murders, which are plunging the local population into terror. It is in the vicinity of Kpandroma, Rethy and Karombo that the bodies of the victims are discovered, mercilessly thrown into the Kodda River.
The provincial coordinator of SOCICO, Samuel Ukethi, expresses a strong condemnation of these heinous acts in a recent press release. He calls on the authorities to take concrete measures to apprehend the criminals responsible for these acts and put an end to this unprecedented wave of violence. The inhabitants of the region live in constant fear, with the night becoming a dreaded time when kidnappings and murders seem to multiply.
The deterioration of the security situation in the affected regions is forcing the population to restrict their movements, fear being omnipresent. The provincial authorities of Ituri are called upon to react quickly to guarantee the safety of the inhabitants and to face these outlaws who operate with impunity. SOCICO thus highlights the persistent security challenges affecting this region already weakened by recurring conflicts.
It is urgent that concrete actions be taken to put an end to this wave of violence and reassure a population prey to fear and insecurity. The “Yuda” phenomenon adds to the list of security challenges that Ituri must face, highlighting the need for rapid and effective intervention by the competent authorities to protect citizens and restore a climate of peace and security in the region.