This group, commonly known as the "Topoke of Likolo" is due to population movements caused by the penetration of Arab slavers into the region.

From there they crossed the river to settle in their current territory, having driven the original Bangando and Bambole inhabitants further south.

[4] The Topoke people had a long tradition of large regional markets, where purchases could be made on credit or by using iron javelins as currency.

[6] The Topoke were polygynous, and it was common for an important visitor to be offered female companionship as well as food and shelter.

[7] However, sometimes sexual abuse of Topoke women by colonial administrators led to retaliation such as poisoning attempts by their husbands.

After World War II they began to move to Kisangani to work as unskilled laborers, but were at a disadvantage compared to more established urban groups.