Armed extremists, suspected of belonging to the Islamic State-aligned Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have abducted Christian farmers and at least ten young Christian boys in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to local sources, the farmers were kidnapped between 28 and 29 June 2026 while working in their fields near Babungwe village in Mambasa Territory. The attacks have left many families living in fear, disrupting normal life in the affected communities.
The violence has also prompted a mass exodus from surrounding villages, with many residents abandoning their homes and possessions to escape further attacks. Displaced families have sought refuge in Mambasa centre, where some are staying with host families, while others have taken shelter at displacement sites in Makoko.
These sites are located on land belonging to local churches, including the Evangelical Community Church in Central Africa and the Salvation Church. However, displaced families are receiving little or no assistance.
In a separate incident, armed ADF fighters reportedly kidnapped around ten young Christian boys from Muchanga village, located about 11 kilometres from Mambasa town. Community leaders have expressed alarm over the growing number of kidnappings and the continued targeting of civilians.
Dieudonné Lossa, coordinator of civil society in Ituri Province, reports that communities are calling on the Congolese government to intensify efforts against the rebel group, stressing that the ADF threat should be treated as a national priority.
Mambasa is currently hosting large numbers of internally displaced people who have fled insecurity in surrounding villages. The influx is placing additional pressure on local communities already struggling to support those affected by the violence.
Meanwhile, local military authorities have appealed for calm and urged residents to maintain confidence in the Congolese army. Officials say military operations have already pushed ADF fighters out of some areas, and efforts are continuing to restore security and protect civilians.
The latest kidnappings underscore the ongoing threat posed by the ADF in Eastern DRC, where repeated attacks have left Christian communities vulnerable to violence, displacement, and hardship.
In Eastern DRC where the ADF is active, it is rare for families of those kidnapped to see them ever again. Unlike Nigeria, where kidnap for ransom is a common and a lucrative way to raise money, the ADF instead kidnap civilians to work as porters, cooks, local guides, and even child soldiers. The UN lists the ADF as one of the groups “most responsible for recruitment and use of children in the DRC”. Unfortunately, many kidnappings also result in murder, depending on the orders the ADF soldiers receive from their superiors.
Please pray:
- Pray for the safe release and protection of the abducted farmers and young boys.
- Pray for comfort, strength, and provision for the displaced families seeking refuge in Mambasa.
- Pray for peace and security in Ituri Province and for the authorities to protect vulnerable communities.
- Pray for churches and host families caring for the displaced, that they will receive the resources they need.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
