A Muslim terror group has beheaded 70 Christians in a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) church, Open Doors reported. It is the latest incident of Christian persecution in the northeast DRC.
On Feb. 13, at approximately 4 a.m., Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)), a Muslim group associated with the terror group Islamic State (ISIS), rounded up Christians in the village of Mayba, located in the territory of Lubero. Open Doors, a group supporting persecuted Christians globally, reported that the militants rounded up the Christians by shouting “Get out, get out.” The militants captured 20 Christians who exited their homes. After locals from the village assembled to determine how to free the hostages, the militants surrounded the village and kidnapped 50 more Christians.
After taking the captives to a small Protestant church in Kasanga, south of the Lubero territory, the militants beheaded all 70 captives with machetes or large knives.
An unnamed source told Aid to the Church in Need that “Many of them had been bound and some beheaded. Among the victims were women, children and the elderly.”
According to sources, local militants prevented Christian leaders from burying the dead for some five days.
An elder of a DRC church commented on the anguish believers there are facing.
“We don’t know what to do or how to pray; we’ve had enough of massacres,” he said. “May God’s will alone be done.”
For safety, many Christians have fled the area.
John Samuel, Open Doors’ legal expert for the work in sub-Saharan Africa, explained why violence in DRC is present.
“The violence takes place in a context of impunity, where almost no one is held accountable,” Samuel said. “This massacre is a clear indicator of widespread human rights violations against civilians and vulnerable communities, often targeting Christians, perpetrated by ADF—a [so-called Islamic State] affiliate.”
In 2025, ADF has already slaughtered at least 89 other Christians in DRC, as reported by Barnabas Aid. In a Feb. 2 attack, ADF killed 28 Christians across three villages. On Jan. 29, the terror group killed nine Christians and burned some 30 houses down.
The DRC church is facing a sharp increase in persecution. World Watch List 2024 reported that 261 Christians were killed for their faith in Congo and an estimated 1,000 Christians were internally displaced for their faith. The number of killings rose to 355 in the 2025 report, and displacements increased from 1,000 to 10,000.
Samuel is calling the worldwide church to pray for Christians in DRC.
“We further call on the international Christian community to remain in prayer for Christians and vulnerable communities in eastern DRC,” said Samuel. “Pray for an end to violence and that government at all levels will diligently, impartially, and transparently address the violence and its effects. Pray for the church in Lubero as she seeks to bring physical and spiritual assistance to the families affected.”
A village near Lubero. Photograph: Alamy