Nine Christians were killed after being captured from the village of Bandisende, Ituri Province, north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 29 September.
The attack was publicised on Islamic State (IS – also known as ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) social media.
Analysts reported that the nine were beheaded by militants from Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP).
Buildings left burned and damaged by Islamic State militants in Bandisende, Ituri Province, north-eastern D. R. Congo [Image credit: Kivu Morning Post]
The assault came just a day after an initial ISCAP attack on civilian targets in the village, although the identity of any victims has not been verified.
More than 1,385 Christians dead
ISCAP (also known by its former name of ADF) has slaughtered more than 1,385 Christians in north-eastern DRC since December 2024.
According to experts on Islamist terrorism, Africa has “become the main centre of jihadist activity”, with nearly 90% of claimed IS attacks in the first three-quarters of 2026 taking place across the continent.
Read more: Please strengthen victims of extreme persecution in D. R. Congo
Since mid-July, Ituri has been the epicentre of ISCAP activity. At least five other Christians were killed in attacks across the province in late September and the opening days of October.
Ituri is also the province worst affected by the ongoing Ebola virus.
The virus has resulted in more than 4,000 deaths, of which around three-quarters were recorded in Ituri.
How you can pray
Please intercede once again for persecuted Christians in north-eastern D. R. Congo. Ask the Lord to turn their eyes to Him in the midst of their troubles. Pray for an end to Islamist terrorism and other forms of violence. Ask that the virus will be brought under control, and that those left destitute will receive the help they need.
