Nigeria, March 4 -- M23, a Congolese Tutsi-led paramilitary rebel group believed to be backed by Rwanda, has abducted 130 patients from two hospitals in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a statement by the United Nations (UN).

Tutsi is one of the ethnic groups in Rwanda, where Hutu natives constitute the majority of the population. The minority Tutsis became targets of a 100-day genocide that killed more than a million people, mostly the Tutsi and moderate Hutus considered to be traitors.

In a statement dated 3 March, the UN said it is "gravely concerned for the safety and wellbeing of at least 130 sick and wounded men the M23 rebels abducted" on 28 February.

The men (patients) suspected to be "DRC army soldiers...