KEY POINTS
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At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region on October 20 and 24.
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More than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes were burned, according to church officials.
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The church has demanded stronger civilian protection and justice, while responsibility for the attacks remains unconfirmed.
At least 60 Orthodox Christians have been killed in separate attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which reported that more than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes were burned.
The attacks occurred on October 20 and 24 in two districts of the Arsi Zone in central Oromia, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety amid continuing insecurity in Ethiopia’s largest regional state.
The church’s Holy Synod condemned the killings and called on the government to strengthen security, protect vulnerable communities and bring those responsible to justice.
Attacks leave 60 dead in two districts
According to the church, 14 people were killed on October 20 in Gora Silingo, Angada Kebele, in Merti district.
A further 46 people were killed on October 24 in the villages of Tereta, Chole and Birbo in Shirka district.
Both districts are located in the Arsi Zone of Oromia.
The church said more than 20 people sustained serious injuries during the attacks, while 20 homes were destroyed by fire.
The killings have intensified concerns about the safety of Christian communities in the area, although the full circumstances surrounding the attacks remain unclear.
Church demands justice and stronger protection
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Holy Synod described the killings as a grave tragedy and condemned the violence against civilians.
It said the attacks violated constitutional protections for life and religious freedom and threatened Ethiopia’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among different religious communities.
The church urged government institutions to publicly condemn the killings and take decisive steps to prevent further attacks.
It also called on security agencies to increase protection for affected communities, strengthen preventive measures and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.
The Oromia regional government has pledged to pursue the perpetrators.
No group claims responsibility
No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks as of the report’s publication.
However, media reports said a local official accused a newly formed rebel alliance that includes the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) of carrying out the killings.
The OLA has previously denied allegations that it targets civilians.
The reported accusation has not been independently established, and responsibility for the latest attacks remains unconfirmed.
Violence continues in Oromia
The killings come amid years of insecurity in Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest regional state, which is home to approximately 40 million people.
Government forces have been fighting armed groups in the region, with recurring violence raising concerns about civilian casualties and the protection of communities.
In July, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council reported that at least 432 civilians and four local militia members had been killed in targeted attacks across East Arsi between 2021-22 and June 1, 2026.
The figures underline the scale of the security challenges facing communities in the wider area, although they cover a broader period and are separate from the latest church-reported death toll.
Church announces prayers for victims
The Holy Synod said it would seek discussions with senior government officials to address the security crisis and explore measures to protect affected communities.
It also announced prayers for the victims on Monday and directed Orthodox churches and monasteries around the world to hold similar services on Tuesday after the Divine Liturgy.
The church extended condolences to the families of those killed and called for urgent action to ensure that its followers could live and worship without fear.
