4 Dead and Several Injured After Clashes Between Police and Bandits in Panu

Panu Kwilu, February 4, 2026 - Four people were killed and several others injured during clashes between police and a group of bandits (Kuluna) in Panu, Idiofa territory, Kwilu province. Among the deceased were two police officers and two civilians. The bandits attacked in retaliation after the arrest of their leaders, plunging the town into total panic. Many residents spent the night in the forest, while others sought refuge along the border between Idiofa territory and Maï-Ndombe province. Nico Mbuka, a provincial deputy from Idiofa, demanded a thorough investigation to hold perpetrators accountable and called for police reinforcements. “They arrested one of their leaders, and the bandits, in turn, attacked the police. The clashes resulted in four deaths, two police officers and two civilians. As of now, the population is not calm. Some spent the night in the forest. Others went to the river, to the border with Maï-Ndombe, to the sandbars. There is no peace in Panu at this time.” - Nico Mbuka, provincial deputy The territory administrator, Adelar Kintolo, confirmed the incident but noted a gradual return to calm. These clashes have disrupted daily life in the area: markets were deserted, and activities in hospitals and schools were paralyzed.