At least 60 Ethiopian Orthodox Christians have been killed in two separate attacks in the Oromia region, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which has called on authorities to strengthen civilian protection and bring those responsible to justice.
The church’s Holy Synod said 14 people were killed on October 20 in Gora Silingo, in Merti district, while another 46 died in attacks on October 24 in the villages of Tereta, Chole and Birbo in Shirka district. Both districts are located in the Arsi Zone of central Ethiopia’s Oromia region.
The church also reported that more than 20 people sustained serious injuries and about 20 homes were burned during the attacks. It described the killings as a grave violation of the constitutional rights to life and religious freedom, warning that the violence threatened peaceful coexistence among Ethiopia’s religious communities.
The Holy Synod urged federal and regional authorities to publicly condemn the killings, improve security for vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible face justice. It also called on security agencies to take preventive measures against further attacks.
Responsibility for the killings has not been independently established, and competing accusations have emerged. The Oromia regional government blamed a newly formed rebel alliance that includes the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), alleging that the attacks were intended to provoke religious conflict. A source linked to the alliance, however, accused the regional government of carrying out the killings, citing accounts from local residents. Neither accusation has been independently verified.
The OLA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The group has previously denied allegations that it targeted Orthodox Christian civilians. It is one of several armed groups that announced the formation of an alliance last month with the stated aim of overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.
The attacks come amid persistent insecurity in Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest regional state, where government forces have been fighting armed groups for years. The conflict has involved political, ethnic and religious tensions, complicating efforts to protect civilians and establish accountability for violence.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Council reported in July that at least 432 civilians and four local militia members had been killed in targeted attacks across East Arsi between 2021 and June 1, 2026. The report highlighted the continuing threat to communities in the area.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church said it would seek discussions with senior government officials to address the security crisis. It also organised memorial prayers for the victims and directed churches and monasteries worldwide to hold similar services.
The church called for urgent action to protect affected communities and ensure that people can practise their faith without fear.
The killings have renewed concerns about civilian safety in Oromia, where continued attacks risk deepening religious and ethnic divisions. Establishing responsibility through credible investigations and protecting residents from further violence remain central challenges for Ethiopian authorities.
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