The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church says two attacks in Oromia killed 60 Orthodox Christians, injured more than 20 people and burned 20 homes, but responsibility remains unconfirmed.
The church’s Holy Synod said 14 people died on Oct. 20 in Merti district. It said 46 more died on Oct. 24 in Shirka district. Both districts are in the Arsi Zone.
The church named Gora Silingo, in Angada Kebele, and the villages of Tereta, Chole and Birbo among the affected locations. The church reported the numbers of people killed and injured and the number of homes burned. Those numbers have not been independently verified.
Oromia regional government spokesperson Hailu Adugna blamed the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). He provided no evidence for the accusation. The OLA was not immediately available for comment.
Reuters reported that regional authorities and a source linked to a rebel alliance blamed each other. Reuters also reported that no group had publicly claimed responsibility. The church called on authorities to protect civilians and bring those responsible to justice.
Insecurity continues in the region.