Ethiopia Church Killings: Over 30 Orthodox Christians Reported Dead in Oromia Attacks!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor-in-Chief | Sele Media Africa
More than 30 members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church have reportedly been killed in a series of violent attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia Regional State between February and March 2026, raising fresh concerns over the safety of religious communities in parts of the country.
According to church officials and local reports, at least 35 Orthodox Christians were killed in coordinated attacks across the Arsi and Hararghe zones, areas that have experienced persistent insecurity linked to armed groups and communal tensions.
One of the victims, Abba Welde Michael, a hermit monk at the historic Asebot Holy Trinity Monastery, was reportedly shot dead inside his cave dwelling. The monk’s body was discovered after the attack, and he was buried at the monastery on February 8, 2026.
Church sources say the monastery has faced repeated security threats in recent years. Several monks and monastery workers abducted by armed men on October 23, 2025, remain missing, highlighting ongoing fears for religious communities in the region.
Violence also intensified in the Arsi Zone, where several incidents were reported in late February.
On February 23, three civilians—Sisay Bizuneh, Tadesse Genene, and Desyale Zeqe—were killed in the Ferekesa locality of Merti Abomsa District. The attack also destroyed homes belonging to at least ten families. A Muslim resident, Abiti Kedir, who reportedly attempted to intervene during the attack, was also killed.
Three days later, on February 26, at least 21 people, including a priest and two women, were killed in the Jawi locality of Sherka District. Several others were abducted, while eight injured victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Victims were later buried in a mass grave at Jawi Abune Gebre Menfes Qedus Church.
The violence continued on February 27, when eight additional people were killed and five others abducted in the same locality. Witnesses reported that homes and the local church administration building were set on fire during the attack. Some residents told BBC Amharic that elderly villagers were trapped in burning houses.
The Acting Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church issued a statement on February 28 condemning the killings and urging the government to intervene to protect civilians.
The attacks have also drawn condemnation from the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, which in a March 4 statement identified fighters linked to the Oromo Liberation Army as responsible for the violence. The commission called for urgent measures to restore security and ensure accountability.
In a separate statement, the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council also denounced the killings and urged peace among communities.
Religious leaders continue to raise alarm over the escalating violence. His Grace Abune Elsa, bishop overseeing the Somali and East Arsi dioceses, has repeatedly appealed to the Ethiopian government and the international community to protect vulnerable congregations.
In emotional public remarks, the bishop questioned the repeated targeting of his community, asking: “Why are we being killed? Why do they kill us?”
Security analysts say the attacks reflect deeper instability in parts of Oromia, where armed insurgencies, ethnic tensions, and weak local security structures have contributed to recurring violence.
Church leaders and rights advocates are now calling for urgent protection measures, independent investigations, and long-term peacebuilding efforts to prevent further attacks against civilians and religious institutions in Ethiopia.
Sources: BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Associated Press, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.
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