APA- Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Gunmen have killed at least 18 civilians in the western Benishangul-Gumuz regional state of Ethiopia, Eyewitnesses have said.
The attack occurred Friday around 5 PM in Gilgel Beles town, Metekel zone of the regional state, eyewitnesses confirmed to APA on Tuesday.
The gunmen are those who are members of the Gumuz People’s Democratic Movement which recently agreed to lay arms down after negotiations with the federal government.
The eyewitnesses said 16 others were wounded by the targeted attack and families of the victims are yearning for justice.
The eyewitnesses further said the attackers, who have remained armed, have been receiving food ration from the government.
“The gunmen are armed with heavy weapons and brag in the town,” said the eyewitnesses accusing the government of suspending administration in the town and surrounding areas.
Thousands of the town’s residents have left for neighboring Pawe zone fleeing the targeted attacks against ethnic Amahra people.
Ethiopia is also experiencing unrest in the Amhara region where the fighting between government and Amhara militia go on as the former attempts to disarm the Fano fighters (Amhara popular force)
MG/abj/APA