It was a little after 1:00 pm today, when a wave of panic swept through the town of Bunia, Ituri district. Within moments, all shops were closed while markets and schools emptied. Street traffic became hectic as residents rushed to their houses or other places they deemed safe.

Panic gripped the town amid reports that a group of about 50 armed men had arrived at the locality of Ndélé, about 8 km from Bunia, and were trying to steal goats and cattle from the inhabitants, said sources close to the country's armed forces (FARDC).

Dispatched to the area, FARDC troops opened fire on the raiding group to dissuade them. A fire exchange ensued that created the panic in Bunia when the first groups of fleeing people from Ndélé arrived and spoke of a militia "attack".

MONUC reacted promptly and in accordance with its mandate. Security at the checkpoint at Ndele has been beefed up with additional Moroccan peacekeepers. Patrolling has been intensified in Bunia. Security for MONUC installations and the Bunia airport has been tightened as well.

For their part, the FARDC set up new security checkpoints in the town to boost their presence and keep the population calm.

Congolese National Police forces, too, were going through the various sections of the city with megaphone messages to reassure the inhabitants and appeal for calm.

In late afternoon, shops still did not reopen but street traffic resumed its normal pattern.