The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) claimed that more than 25 civilians have been killed in East Arsi Zone, Oromia regional state in October 2025 alone.
The majority of the victims were christians apparently shot dead or fatally stabbed by unknown gunmen, the church’s public relations department disclosed on Wednesday.
The department said it compiled the information through the church’s structure, from the diocese level down to local congregations, and confirmed that “in total, in October, more than 25 innocent people were killed.
The statement also quoted a report received by the church on October 28, suggesting that “five people were killed in Honqolo Wabe (Siltana) district.”
Other reports indicate they were members of the same family.
While the department did not specify the identity of the perpetrators, it stated that it will present detailed information received to the relevant body.
According to information reaching APA three civilians were killed and four others abducted in what eyewitnesses described as a “religious-motivated attack” carried out by “unidentified gunmen” around 10:00 p.m. on Monday, 27 October 2025, in Hela Zibaba Kebele, Shirka Woreda, East Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State.
Eyewitnesses, who requested anonymity over safety concerns, said the civilians were killed in an “atrocious manner” by the gunmen.
According to the religious father, the victims were “taken out of their homes and shot,” adding that such attacks in the area began in 2021 and have since escalated.
He further indicated that approximately 190 people have been killed in similar attacks in the area since 2021.
He said the identity and motive of the perpetrators remain unknown but confirmed that the victims were “followers of the Orthodox Tewahedo faith.”
MG/as/APA