Addis Ababa. There are reports of attacks on Orthodox Christian churches and surrounding villages in Ethiopia's Oromia State. More than 40 people lost their lives in these attacks. This information has been given in a news quoting two local residents and a priest. Let us tell you that Oromia is the largest state of Ethiopia. There has been a situation of rebellion, armed conflict and ethnic tension here for a long time. Armed groups have often used religion to try to create divisions between communities and unite people.
Quoting local people, it was told in a news that a total of 44 people have died in this incident. Another resident put the death toll at 51. Both confirmed the attack, but there was a slight difference in the figures. These claims could not be independently verified due to heavy restrictions on the media and independent journalists in Ethiopia. The government Ethiopian Human Rights Commission did not say much on the matter. He only said that he was monitoring the situation.
According to the report, religious tension is very high in the area. If this is not taken care of then it can become a big crisis. According to local people, two churches in the area were attacked. Many houses of the people were also destroyed.
Let us tell you that Ethiopia is a country in the Horn of Africa, which is struggling with many internal conflicts. Heavy fighting also broke out in northern Tigray state last month. About 40 million people live in Oromia state, located in the center of the country. Muslim, Protestant and Orthodox communities live together here. The main causes of conflict have been grievances over political and ethnic representation, but religion has also been used to rally fighters.
The deacon of one of the churches attacked said he was deeply shocked by the tragic killings. He appealed to the government to immediately intervene and restore security in the area. According to Deacon the death toll is 46.
However, till now no detailed confirmation of the attack or any official information about the action has been revealed by the government. Local people are demanding security and appealing to increase the security of churches.