Islamic militants have reportedly kidnapped more than 200 women and children from a majority-Christian town in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Islamic rebel group, Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), carried out a three-hour-long raid in the town of Boga in the Ituri Province on August 23 after overrunning local government forces.

During the attack, residents attempted to flee the town, as the militants looted church hospitals, stores, and farms. However, more than 200 people were captured by the group, including women and children.

The Bishop of Boga Diocese Rt Rev William Bahemuka said: “The situation here is terrible. People are terrified. Families are traumatized and grieving over their abducted loved ones. The ADF has never been active in Boga, so people are confused and don’t know how to understand the current situation.

“I appeal to people of goodwill everywhere to lobby their home governments to put pressure on the DR Congo government to stabilize the security situation in eastern Congo,” Rev Bahemuka added.

“We also appeal for a massive outpouring of sustained prayer from Christians everywhere. The situation is so desperate that we need God’s supernatural intervention. May God have mercy on us.”

According to Rev Bahemuka, the Army has since dispatched additional troops to provide security and search for those who were abducted.

No casualties have been reported yet, however, a number of people who managed to escape are feared lost in the jungle.