Civilians who fled violence in Ezo County, Gbudwe State, recently are trickling back home.

Thousands of civilians ran to the Democratic Republic of Congo amid a series of fighting between security forces and armed groups.

However, authorities there say the returnees, who are mainly women and children, lack basic needs.

Speaking to Eye Radio, Ezo county commissioner Arkangelo Bakinde appealed for humanitarian support…..

“Our problem is food. Yes they are coming back and they are facing hunger,” Mr Bakinde said.

“You know we are Africans and can survive on leaves but this leaves need some ingredients in order for someone to eat it.”

The insecurity in the area has paralyzed food production.

“Their gardens have been destroyed by weeds because they had no one to prune them,” he added.

Government officials attribute the return of civilians to the signing of a deal with the various armed youth groups recently.