Horror has once again struck the population of the locality of Banyali Kilo in Ituri, with the shocking story of the massacre of several people during a brutal attack perpetrated by an armed group. June 20 will be remembered as a dark and tragic day for the inhabitants of Bianda, more than 100 kilometers north of Bunia, in the territory of Djugu.
According to testimonies from notables in the region, at least seven people lost their lives during this savage attack, and around ten others were injured. A grim toll which is accompanied by the disappearance of eight individuals, apparently taken hostage by the attackers, as well as the burning of several commercial houses. The material and human damage left by this indiscriminate violence is unbearable and testifies to the limitless cruelty of these militiamen.
The acts of terror then spread to other localities, with a new attack reported in Gangala the next day, marked by the burning of more homes. Faced with this escalation of violence, the notables of Banyali Kilo are launching a cry of alarm to the government, urging the dismantling of this armed group which has been sowing terror and mourning in the region for too long, with complete impunity.
The president of the Nyali community, Vital Tungulo, strongly denounces these repeated massacres and calls for urgent action to end this cycle of senseless violence. He underlines the imperative need to integrate members of these armed groups into the disarmament process, in accordance with the peace agreements signed with the government. It is time to act to protect innocent civilian populations and guarantee them a more secure and peaceful future.
In these times of tragedy and mourning, solidarity and compassion must guide our actions to support and protect the victims of these atrocities. It is essential to make the voices of the voiceless heard, to bring justice to the missing and to build a future of peace and reconciliation for this region scarred by conflicts. The time has come to turn the page on violence and work together for a better future, where the human dignity and security of all are respected and preserved.