Bankome was shot and killed by three men wearing military uniforms on 5 April 2010 as he returned from work in the eastern city of Béni, North Kivu province. Bankome, who was known for his coverage of the armed conflict in the region, reportedly had been threatened by soldiers before his murder.
Two soldiers were arrested shortly after the attack, which was witnessed by Bankome¹s wife. The killers took Bankome¹s bag containing videos, a mobile phone and money, before shooting him six times at close range.
In a letter sent to President Joseph Kabila, WAN-IFRA called for a quick and thorough investigation into the murder and called on him "to take all necessary steps to ensure that those who murder, attack and intimidate journalists are brought to justice."
