The causes of the deaths are not known, but the attacks by armed groups that have been happening since June in that southern part of the province immediately arouse fears in communities living in remote areas.

"We were looking for snails, when suddenly the dog started sniffing and led us to where two people were dead and with violent wounds on their necks: we thought it was strange and communicated it to the others," said one of the residents who was at the site, a corn and cassava farm.

The bodies were identified as people from a neighboring village who used to hunt nearby.

Another resident mentioned that in addition to the population of Pulo, residents from other communities - such as the village Ponto A - have also started to seek refuge near Metuge, the nearest district headquarters.

There are residents who ask to be protected by the local force, the name given to the militias that have been given weapons by the authorities to help control the territory.

Metuge is located on the edge of Pemba Bay, opposite the provincial capital (Pemba), separated by 10 kilometers by boat, or 40 kilometers, skirting the sea, by road.

The coastal district has been, along with Pemba, one of the most overburdened with displaced people seeking safety during the five years of insurgency. (Lusa/RTP)