Full Breakdown
Deadly Attacks on Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia’s Oromia Region
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Mass Killings in Merti and Shirka Districts
On October 20 2026, armed assailants killed 14 Orthodox Christians in Gora Silingo, Angada Kebele of Merti district. Four days later, on October 24 2026, another 46 believers were slain in the villages of Tereta, Chole and Birbo in Shirka district. The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reported more than 20 serious injuries and roughly 20 homes burned. The incidents occurred in the Arsi Zone of central Oromia.
Background & Context
Oromia has faced prolonged insecurity, with government forces battling multiple armed groups. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is part of a rebel coalition the regional government has blamed for attacks on Orthodox Christians, though the OLA denies involvement. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said violence targeting religious institutions is part of a broader destabilisation effort.
Data & Statistics
- Deaths: 14 (Oct 20) + 46 (Oct 24) = 60 confirmed by the Holy Synod.
- Injuries: Over 20 seriously wounded.
- Property damage: About 20 houses burned.
- Historical context: The Ethiopian Human Rights Council recorded 432 civilian deaths in East Arsi between 2021-2022 and June 1 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (Holy Synod): Called the killings “extremely tragic cruelty and suffering,” condemned the attacks, and urged the government to denounce the violence, protect civilians and bring perpetrators to justice.
- Oromia Regional Government: Accused the rebel alliance that includes the OLA of orchestrating the attacks to spark religious conflict and pledged to pursue those responsible.
- Oromo Liberation Army: Denied involvement.
- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed: Reiterated that attacks on civilians and religious sites aim to destabilise the country.
- Ethiopian Human Rights Council: Highlighted the cumulative death toll in the region, underscoring the security crisis.
Criticism & Opposition
The regional government’s attribution lacked publicly disclosed evidence. A source linked to the rebel alliance alleged that Oromia authorities themselves carried out the killings, citing conversations with local residents. This illustrates competing narratives about responsibility.
Why It Matters
The attacks are among the deadliest single-event death tolls recorded in Oromia in recent years, raising concerns about religious freedom and ethnic tension. The Holy Synod warned that such violence undermines Ethiopia’s tradition of peaceful coexistence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Casualty figures: While the Holy Synod and several outlets report 60 deaths, other sources cite 43 killed and 18 wounded, indicating unsettled figures.
- Perpetrator identification: No group has claimed responsibility; the regional government and the rebel alliance present mutually exclusive accusations, and independent verification is lacking.
What’s Next
The Oromia regional government announced it will act against those responsible, though no timeline or judicial process has been detailed. The Holy Synod called for prayers and urged authorities to implement protective measures for vulnerable communities.