In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Church is once again reeling from yet another attack. During the night of 15 September and 16 September, assailants armed with hammers, knives, crowbars, and all manner of tools stormed a preparatory training school near the Bishop’s residence in the Mudzipela neighbourhood of the Shari community in Bunia, the Provincial city of Ituri Province.
Paul Samasumo – Vatican City.
The late-night attack resulted in injuries to a priest as the assailants attempted to steal from the training centre.
According to Agenzia Fides, the criminals initially assaulted and tortured the security guard in an effort to extract information about the location of funds on the premises.
Father Jean-Deogratias Budjona, the Spiritual Director of the institution, told the Church news agency that the security guard called for help. When one of the priests, Father Justin Logo, responded, the attackers forced their way into the priest’s residence.
“The security guard started calling us, and it was then that Father Justin Logo opened the door. When he realised there were thieves right at the doorstep, he tried to close the door, but it was too late—the criminals pushed their way inside. They then stabbed Father Logo in the arm,” recounted Father Budjona.
Fortunately, the priests were able to raise alarm, prompting a military patrol in the area to intervene.
This marks the third attack on the preparatory school since July of this year. Other parishes, rectories, and convents across Ituri Province have also been targeted, including in Lopa, Komanda, and Nyakasanza.
Pope Leo’s closeness to Ituri
Pope Leo XIV expresses sorrow and spiritual closeness following the July 2025 deadly attack on the Parish of Blessed Anuarite in Komanda.
The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, also strongly condemned the attack carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) during the night of 26 July and 27 July 2025. Fifty people were killed, including nine children. Several others were injured or abducted by the militia. Shops and homes were set on fire. Most of the victims were worshippers attending a night vigil at the parish.
Armed groups in Ituri Province
Ituri is plagued by various armed groups operating within the region, causing widespread fear, death and destruction among civilians. The persistent banditry and violence have significantly contributed to the ongoing insecurity, despite the province being under a state of siege.
In May 2021, the Congolese government declared an exceptional state of siege in Ituri in an effort to end more than three decades of war, insurrections, and armed conflicts.
