Church Official Says Over 60 Orthodox Christians Killed in Oromia Attacks
WHO:
Al Jazeera - The Oromia regional government pledged to pursue those responsible for the killings.
BBC - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church said it had raised concerns about insecurity with authorities at different levels of government.
BBC News - A resident said his 75-year-old father was killed in the attack.
WHAT:
Al Jazeera - Church officials said more than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes burned in the attacks.
Al Jazeera - The church called on government institutions to condemn the attacks publicly, strengthen civilian protection, and bring those responsible to justice; it also urged security agencies to provide additional protection and take preventive measures.
Al Jazeera - The church announced prayers for the victims and directed Orthodox churches and monasteries worldwide to hold similar services following the Divine Liturgy.
Al Jazeera - There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Media reports said a local official accused a newly formed rebel alliance that includes the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA); the OLA has previously denied attacking civilians.
Al Jazeera - The Ethiopian Human Rights Council reported at least 432 civilians and four local militia members killed in targeted attacks across East Arsi between 2021–22 and June 1 this year.
ABC News World - The Ethiopian Orthodox Church said two attacks in Oromia killed at least 60 Orthodox Christians.
BBC - More than 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in attacks in Oromia.
BBC News - More than 60 Christians were killed in what the article described as a “massacre.”
WHERE:
Al Jazeera - The church said 14 people were killed in Gora Silingo, Angada Kebele, Merti district, and 46 in Tereta, Chole and Birbo villages, Shirka district; both districts are in the Arsi Zone.
Al Jazeera - Oromia is Ethiopia’s largest regional state and is home to about 40 million people.
BBC - The attacks took place in Oromia, Ethiopia.
WHY:
BBC - The Orthodox Church said it had repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity, but “so far there has been no solution.”
HOW:
BBC News - A resident whose father was killed described the attack as an ambush and said those targeted were surrounded.
(UPDATED October 27, 2026 16:09 UTC)
Two attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region killed at least 60 Orthodox Christians, including 14 in Gora Silingo and 46 in three villages in Arsi Zone. Church officials said more than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes were burned; a resident said his 75-year-old father was killed after attackers ambushed and surrounded their targets. The church said it had repeatedly warned authorities about insecurity, while the Oromia regional government pledged to pursue those responsible; no one had immediately claimed responsibility.
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(UPDATED October 27, 2026 13:23 UTC)
At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in two attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. A resident said his 75-year-old father was among those killed and described the attack as an ambush, with victims surrounded. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church said it had repeatedly raised security concerns with authorities at different levels, but no solution had been found.
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(UPDATED October 27, 2026 04:11 UTC)
More than 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. A resident said his 75-year-old father was among those killed, describing the attack as an ambush in which the victims were surrounded. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church said it had repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity with government authorities, but no solution had been found.