Attacks in Ancuabe district sound the alarm. Population is fleeing. Citizens walk along the National Road 1 with bundles on their heads in search of refuge.

In the last few days, two people were killed in the village of Muaguide at a graphite mining company.

The situation has caused panic in nearby villages, including the locality of Sunate, also known as Silva Macua, about 70 km from the capital. Community leader Guilherme Paulo said that many residents are leaving the area.

"The population here in Silva Macua has abandoned it. Since it is time of war, they are afraid because they cut off the heads of two [company] guards," he said.

The official also referred to another episode of violence registered in the village of Ntutupue, also in Ancuabe district: "They captured four men: two were [beheaded] and two others were [freed] and are already here.

So far, both attacks have not been confirmed by the authorities.

But traffic along the National Highway 1 - specifically the Silva Macua to Muepane section in Metuge district - has been conditioned due to the ever-present fear of an attack along the section.

Looking for a safe place

Along the road between Metoro and Muepane, people of all ages walk on foot, bundles on their heads, to escape the onslaughts of the insurgents.

Entrepreneurs who have been developing their businesses in Silva Macua are also on the run: "Here, many vendors have abandoned," says resident Rachide Manuel. "All the big stalls that have money have already [closed]. They came with their trucks and towed their goods away. Only three stalls or so are left."

This Monday should have been a normal school day, but at Sunate and Silva Macua Primary and Secondary School, the doors remained closed, with students and their families on the run for their lives.