Militants Pose as Priests, Kill Three in Village Raid

(International Christian Concern) In a chilling new tactic, alleged Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels disguised themselves as church officials and choristers before launching a recent fatal attack on Mayi Moya village in Beni Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The rebels killed three civilians and kidnapped eight.

The attackers reportedly began their Aug. 13 mission in Ngite village earlier in the morning, where they raided a church, stole clerical robes and choir garments, and posed as members of a religious delegation.

“They came into our church and stole the robes of our priests and choir; they then put them on, posing as a delegation from another church. It was a devilish plan. To use the very symbols of worship to deceive and destroy is beyond evil. My heart breaks for those who trusted them, thinking they came in peace,” said one church official.

When the group arrived in Mayi Moya around 7:05 p.m., villagers welcomed them warmly, believing they were part of a church mission or community visit. Some community members even followed them, unknowingly walking into captivity.

“I thought initially that they genuinely were from a church. They greeted us with smiles and songs, and it looked so real. But when I went closer, I noticed guns hidden beneath the robes. That’s when my heart sank. I knew we had been tricked. I walked quietly back and then ran into the bush, praying God would protect me,” recalled survivor Jean-Philip Mboosa*.

The militants abducted at least eight people, whose whereabouts remain unknown. They later infiltrated Kitsanga, a suburb of Mayi Moya, where they opened fire, killing three men. Shops and homes were looted, and a local boutique was burned.

This attack marks a dangerous escalation in the Bambuba-Kisiki groupment, where ADF activity has been rising again after several months of relative calm. Residents had already reported sightings of rebel movements in the area in the days before the assault, fueling fears of instability.

Mary Kavora*, whose cousin was killed, wept as she spoke: “They were dressed in priestly robes and everyone in the village believed they were holy men. Who would ever doubt people dressed as servants of God? My cousin followed them while singing, thinking it was worship. He never came back. It feels like faith itself was used against us.”

Local leaders are now calling for urgent reinforcement of military presence and an overhaul of security measures to protect vulnerable populations. The attack has shaken community trust, with fears extending beyond physical violence to deeper questions of faith and safety.

Yet amid the sorrow, voices of hope are rising. “They may have stolen our robes and shed our blood, but they cannot steal our faith. We will rebuild our lives, we will worship again, and our voices will not be silenced. God is with us, even in the valley of death,” said one local priest.

This article was originally published at the Persecution.com

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