Islamist terrorists ADF behead 70 people in church in Democratic Republic of Congo, says MP Carla Lockhart and Open Doors

According to international charity Open Doors, it is the latest devastating attack on believers in the north east of the country.

On 13 February, it reported, suspected militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) – a group with ties to so-called Islamic State (IS) – kidnapped 20 Christians from their homes in Mayba in the territory of Lubero. The local community gathered to work out how to respond but 50 of them then also captured. All 70 were taken to a Protestant church in Kasanga. It is reported that the 70 men women and children were then tied up and beheaded.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said: "This massacre was carried out by a group with established ties to Islamic State and is just one of many attacks carried out in that country over recent years.

"The DUP has consistently raised these attacks with the Government and believe the UK must not only speak out but act in support of those who are persecuted simply for practising their religion.”

The MP said he attended the launch of the World Watch List by Open Doors just a few weeks ago, which ranks the 50 most dangerous countries in the world for Christians

"That list puts into sharp focus the dangers people in countries such as DR Congo face simply because they are Christian" she added.

The top ten countries this year are 1) North Korea 2) Somalia 3) Yemen 4) Libya 5) Sudan 6) Eritrea 7) Nigeria 8) Pakistan 9) Iran and 10) Afghanistan.