Officials in eastern Democratic Republic Of Congo say 58 people have been killed in two attacks.
A rebel group called the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is suspected of being behind the violence. It has killed hundreds of civilians in recent months.
Seventeen people are also missing and are thought to have been kidnapped by the group.
Officials in Ituri province say the attacks happened because the ADF rebels are under pressure from the Congolese military in neighbouring North Kivu province.
But that will be of little comfort to the villages that have been left so vulnerable since the army went on the offensive against the rebels late last year.
The fact that the same community of Irumu was attacked on Tuesday and Thursday points to the lack of protection for civilians.
The ADF is one of dozens of armed groups causing havoc in eastern Congo.
On Friday, the country’s defence minister and other government officials are due in Ituri to focus on the complex security challenges.
The state presence in the region is weak and the UN peacekeeping force – costing $1bn (£780m) a year – has also been unable to stop the killings.
Latest Stories
- NDC gives government 30 days to compensate victims of Ayawaso West Wuogon violence or…
3 mins - Stonebwoy talks Afrobeats, new album, Ghana’s popularity on The Breakfast Club
7 mins - Government rolls out National Rental Assistance Scheme to support low-income households
13 mins - Stonebwoy revisits VGMA brawl with Shatta Wale on The Breakfast Club
21 mins - Government commits GH¢30m into implementation of the National Rental Assistance Scheme
26 mins - Messi says World Cup trophy ‘called out’ to him
41 mins - UTAG-GIJ threatens to withdraw from UniMac merger
44 mins - Would you flirt with your boss for a salary increase?
52 mins - I implore industry players to get closer to Agya Koo Nimo – Kwabena Kwabena
1 hour - Trader jailed for causing harm to ‘Good Samaritan’
1 hour - You’re not alone – Kalybos mourns with Ahuofe Patri after her mum’s passing
1 hour - Otumfuo pledges to support Alan Kyerematen’s flagbearership bid with prayers
1 hour - Government’s challenges with new school curriculum due to improper planning – Selorm Branttie
2 hours - Statistical Service, Vodafone and Flowminder Foundation renew Data for Good partnership
2 hours - Vodafone Healthline Spin-off: Young beneficiary regains the use of her fingers
2 hours