Sixty Christians have been killed in two armed attacks in the Oromo region of Ethiopia according to a statement at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Synod.
Tewahedo Media Center published the Synod statement: “On October 20 and 24, 2026, 14 of our faithful were killed at a place locally known as Gora Silingo, in Angada Kebele, Merti Woreda, and 46 of our faithful were killed at Tereta Chole Birbo, in Sherka Woreda. We also learned with great sadness that the homes of 20 faithful were completely burned down and that more than 20 of our people sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in hospitals.
“The horrific and appalling massacres, forced displacements, and physical and property damage inflicted upon our innocent Orthodox Christian faithful in the Arsi Eparchy and in various other parts of our country have continued unabated and have been worsening over time. It is also worth recalling that numerous faithful have previously been killed in districts within the same zone.
“Accordingly, the General Assembly of the Holy Synod, having considered with profound grief the terrible injustice and suffering inflicted upon our people, has strongly condemned these disgraceful acts.”
The synod called for “the attackers to be brought to justice and for the “to publicly condemn these inhumane acts and uphold our constitutionally guaranteed rights to life and freedom of worship.”
A Vatican News report added more details: “According to witness accounts, the assailants went from house to house, killing residents with gunfire and knives… The attack took place in an area inhabited by Muslims, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians.
“According to information available so far, a rebel coalition identified by Ethiopian authorities as “Tsimido” is believed to be operating in the area.
“The coalition reportedly includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, the Amhara Fano militias and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), which Addis Ababa classifies as a terrorist organisation.
“Authorities have accused the coalition of carrying out targeted attacks to fuel ethnic and religious tensions and divert attention from rebel defeats in northern Ethiopia.”
Image: Funeral Picture from Tewahedo Media Center post