Two hostages killed after CODECO militiamen abduct six civilians in Djugu

Six cultivators from Dendro, including a child, were abducted in an ambush on Saturday as they headed to their fields near Bule in Ituri’s Djugu territory. Local and security sources said the abductors, identified as CODECO militiamen from Petro village, executed two hostages on Monday; their bodies were found on Dendro’s football field. A woman and her child were released on Tuesday, while the fate of two other abductees remains unknown; the released pair were reportedly tortured and subjected to degrading treatment. Human rights advocates condemned the abductions and called for adherence to the Aru II peace commitments, stronger social cohesion and tighter control of firearms.