Ethiopia Church Reports 60 Deaths in Oromiya Region Attacks

AT LEAST 60 people have been killed in two separate attacks in Ethiopia’s conflict-affected Oromiya region, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety.

The church said 14 Christians were killed in Merti Woreda on October 20, while another 46 people died in Sherka Woreda on October 24. More than 20 homes were reportedly burned, and over 20 people were hospitalised with serious injuries.

The church condemned the killings and called for urgent action to protect civilians.

“The church has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of innocent people and called for measures to protect the lives of citizens,” the church said in its statement.

The identity of the attackers and their motives remained unclear, with competing accusations over responsibility for the violence.

Oromiya’s regional government blamed a rebel alliance linked to armed groups in northern Tigray, alleging that the attacks were intended to provoke religious conflict. However, Reuters reported that the government did not provide evidence to support the allegation.

A source connected to the alliance accused the regional government of carrying out the killings, citing conversations with two local residents. The allegation could not be independently verified.

The Oromo Liberation Army, which the regional government has previously blamed for attacks on Orthodox Christians, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Oromo Liberation Army is among seven armed groups that announced the formation of an alliance last month, saying they intended to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

The latest killings highlight the continuing security challenges in Oromiya, where armed conflict and allegations of abuses have threatened civilians and disrupted daily life.

Authorities face growing pressure to establish responsibility for the attacks, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.