Death Toll
On 29 December 2008, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that 189 people had been killed on 26–27 December. Caritas International has put the death toll at over 400, while Human Rights Watch reported that at least 620 civilians were killed between 24 December and 13 January.
At least five villages were attacked:
- Faradje: Approximately 150 people were killed on 25–26 December. Rebels reportedly attacked a Christmas Day concert organised by the Catholic Church, and returned the following morning to "continue their killing spree". The UNHCR reported that at least 70 were killed and 37,000 people were forced to flee. Human Rights Watch reported that at least 143 people were killed and 160 children and 20 adults abducted.
- Batande: At least 80 people were killed on 25 December when rebels attacked a Christmas lunch following the morning church service. The men and boys were reportedly taken about 40 meters from the church and killed immediately, then the women and girls were taken into the forest in small groups and many of them raped before they were killed. One witness reported that only six people were left alive in the village. The rebels then ate the Christmas feast the villagers had prepared and slept among the dead bodies.
- Duru: 75 were reportedly killed and a church burned down in the village.
- Bangadi: 48 were killed.
- Gurba: 213 were killed.
Read more about this topic: 2008 Christmas Massacres
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