Church Reports 60 Orthodox Christians Killed in Oromia

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church said at least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in attacks on villages in Ethiopia’s Oromia region on October 20 and 24; other accounts reported lower tolls, including at least 43 killed in Shirka district. The church said more than 20 people were injured and 20 homes burned, while residents described an ambush, reported children among the dead and said people had fled. A local official blamed a newly formed rebel coalition that includes the Oromo Liberation Army, which has denied involvement in similar past attacks, but responsibility has not been independently established. Regional authorities pledged to pursue those responsible, and the church called for stronger civilian protection, warning that violence was undermining peaceful coexistence. Oromia has faced years of insecurity and recurring attacks on local communities, including Orthodox Christians; strict media-access restrictions have hampered independent verification.