ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — At least 60 people have been killed in two separate attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, as conflicting accusations over responsibility raise concerns about security in the conflict-affected area.

The church’s Holy Synod said 14 people were killed in Merti district on October 20, while another 46 died in an attack in Sherka district on October 24. Its statement, issued on Monday, October 26, identified all the victims as Christians.

The church also reported that more than 20 homes were burned and over 20 people sustained serious injuries requiring hospital treatment. It called on the government to strengthen civilian protection and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The circumstances surrounding the killings and the identities of the perpetrators have not been independently established.

Government and Rebel Alliance Exchange Accusations

Oromia’s regional government accused a rebel alliance fighting the Ethiopian government of carrying out the attacks in an attempt to provoke religious conflict. It did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation in the statement described by Reuters.

A source linked to the alliance offered a conflicting account, accusing the Oromia regional government of responsibility and citing conversations with two local residents.

The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), which authorities have previously accused of attacking Orthodox Christian communities, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The OLA is among seven armed groups that announced the formation of an alliance last month, with the stated aim of overthrowing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

With responsibility still disputed, independent investigation will be important to establish what happened and identify those involved.

Renewed Concerns Over Civilian Safety

Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest regional state, has experienced years of fighting involving government forces and armed groups. Persistent insecurity has placed civilians at risk and complicated efforts to maintain stability in affected communities.

The latest attacks have also renewed concerns about the safety of religious communities. However, the church’s identification of the victims as Christians does not, by itself, establish the motive behind the killings.

The Holy Synod has called for stronger protection of residents and accountability for those responsible. The reported destruction of homes and the number of people hospitalised also highlight the wider impact of the violence on local communities.

Authorities face pressure to investigate the incidents, protect residents and prevent further attacks while the competing allegations remain unresolved.

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