Armed attacks on Christian communities in Ethiopia have left families mourning their loved ones and residents fleeing their homes, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reporting more than 60 people killed, according to the BBC.
The violence struck Shirka district in Oromia’s Arsi area over the weekend. AFP reported that an unidentified armed group attacked villages Saturday, Oct. 24, targeting Orthodox Christian churches and homes. Residents and the conflict monitoring organization ACLED told AFP that at least 43 people were killed and 18 wounded. The reported casualty figures remain unsettled.
The church said 20 houses were burned. An eyewitness told BBC Amharic that five children were among those killed, while a church official said security forces reached the area but could not stop the assault, the BBC reported.
“They surrounded us from all four directions,” a resident whose 75-year-old father was killed told BBC Amharic.
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Survivors have sought shelter in nearby churches, according to a local deacon interviewed by AFP.
“We are deeply shocked by these tragic killings and are appealing to the government to intervene and restore security,” the deacon told AFP.
Responsibility remains unconfirmed. The BBC reported that a local official blamed a rebel coalition that includes the Oromo Liberation Army. The group had not commented on the latest attacks but has denied involvement in previous violence.
Church leaders said they had repeatedly brought security concerns to authorities without obtaining a lasting solution, according to the BBC.
Pray for our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia enduring persecution for their faith. Ask God to strengthen them as they face fear and loss, comfort grieving families, heal the wounded and protect those displaced from their homes. Pray that help reaches survivors and that those responsible are brought to justice.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
