More than 40 people have been killed after armed groups attacked Orthodox Christian churches and villages in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, witnesses said on Monday.
The attacks took place on Saturday in the central state, which is Ethiopia’s largest and has long witnessed insurgency and ethnic unrest. Armed groups are often accused of using religion to fuel tensions.
A resident from Shirka district’s Chole ward, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP that his sister and uncle were among those killed, while several relatives were taken hostage. He said 44 people were killed, while another witness claimed the death toll was 51.
A deacon of one of the attacked churches said 46 people were killed. He said, “We are deeply shocked by these tragic killings and are appealing to the government to intervene and restore security.”
According to witnesses, two churches were attacked and several homes of targeted residents were destroyed.
The state-run Ethiopia Human Rights Commission said it was “following the situation.”
One witness warned, “Religious tensions remain very high in the area and could escalate into a wider crisis if left unaddressed.”
Oromia, home to around 40 million people, has Muslim, Protestant and Orthodox communities. While political and ethnic issues are the main drivers of conflict, religion is increasingly being used for mobilization.
Ethiopia has been facing multiple internal conflicts, including fresh fighting in the northern Tigray state last month.
Verification of information remains difficult due to restrictions on media access in the country.
