By MOZTIMES
Pemba (MOZTIMES) – Insecurity has once again gripped Muidumbe district in Cabo Delgado, with incidents reported between Friday and Saturday (6–7 June), involving abductions, armed clashes, arson, and forced displacements.
On Saturday evening, around 6 p.m., armed insurgents attacked Magaia village, in the Chitunda administrative post. The raid led to direct confrontation with members of the Local Force militia, resulting in the death of one community combatant and the burning of several homes. There are no official figures yet on the number of houses destroyed.
According to local accounts, the attack on Magaia was preceded by the abduction of eight farmers on Friday morning. The insurgents reportedly demanded 15,000 meticais per hostage as a condition for their release. The families managed to raise the ransom during the day, and the victims were released later that same Friday.
Magaia is the second most populous village in the Chitunda administrative post and lacks a formal military presence. Security in the area relies on a community-based surveillance system, involving members of the local militia and volunteer residents who take turns protecting the village, particularly at night.
Just hours after the Magaia attack, insecurity resurfaced in Miangalewa village, also in the lower zone of Muidumbe. Around 8 p.m. on Saturday, heavy gunfire was heard from the vicinity of Lake Nguri. The shooting lasted for about an hour and, although no casualties or material damage were reported, the incident sparked panic among residents.
Fearing a possible raid, part of the population of Miangalewa sought refuge on the outskirts of the village, spending the night hidden in the bush.
Miangalewa remains classified as a high-risk area due to its history of repeated attacks. (MT)
