He explained that the situation currently prevailing in Djugu and Mahagi territory is characterized by killings, atrocious violence, fires of huts causing a movement of massive population displacement of these two (2) territories towards more secure areas.


"The FARDC condemn these vile and despicable acts and inform the national and international opinion that all these abuses are the work of a certain Ngujolo and his armed group," he said.

According to Major Jerry Gbelo, on Tuesday a helicopter of Monusco was fired by this armed group during its passage at the locality of Jiro in the territory of Djugu.

In order to promote a great involvement of all layers in the eradication of this armed group, he said, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of operations and intelligence Lieutenant General Gabriel Amisi Kumba has many contacts with the chiefs of sectors and chiefdoms, the politico-administrative authorities, the provincial elected representatives of Ituri.

In the name of the high hierarchy of the FARDC, he asked the people to collaborate with the national army and to dissociate themselves from these enemies of peace before reaffirming the commitment of the FARDC to continue with the operations of tracking and neutralization of this armed group to its last retrenchment.

Arrest of five (5) alleged attackers


In addition, five (5) alleged assailants were arrested by the valiant elements of the FARDC in the locality of Jiba located more than 100km north of Bunia in chiefdom of Bahema-North in the territory of Djugu.

FARDC spokesman in Ituri Lieutenant Jules Ngongo said that these thugs with machetes and arrows were caught in hiding during loyalist fighting patrols. He noted that the arrest of these alleged assailants is the result of collaboration between the population and the FARDC adding that they will be transferred to Bunia.


(CKS/Yes)