As reported by AFP, 14 individuals have been found dead in the Western Democratic Republic of Congo, including 12 villagers who were brutally hacked to death with machetes, as reported by local authorities on Monday, 27th of March.

The attackers assaulted the village of Kimpasi, in Kwilu province of the Bagata territory, on Friday the 24th, remaining unidentified.

After killing 12 villagers, the assailants murdered a local administrative official who came to investigate the situation.

Later, on Monday, the Kimpasi village chief was added to the death toll of the crazed militants.

The victims are all of the Congolese Teke community, according to the territory's administrator Amedee Bangambuma.

Conflicts over taxation and land have led to multiple clashes between the Yaka and Teke communities since June. 

Disputes have emerged between the two communities due to conflict over historical settlement within the area.

The Teke community considers themselves the original inhabitants of villages spread out along the Congo River. While the Yaka people have more recently inhabited the villages.  

The Democratic Republic of Congo's government claims that 180 people have been killed as a result of the conflict.

Furthermore, the United Nations reports tens of thousands have sought refuge after the conflict ensued. 

Read more: 10 killed and 39 wounded in a church bomb attack in the DR of Congo.