The Oromia Regional State Party (ORP) has conveyed the sorrowful news regarding the deaths of nine members of the Amhara Orthodox community, who were tragically killed due to their religious beliefs. This incident took place in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia Regional State, specifically within the Shirka Woreda, Sole Ferenkesa, and Sole Tuja Kebeles, during the night of November 19 to 20, commencing at 8:00 PM.
In its announcement, the party emphasized that among the victims were two elderly men, both exceeding the age of 70, in addition to several elderly women and younger individuals. The ORP has also confirmed that it possesses a list of the names of those who perished in this dreadful occurrence.
The party reported that local inhabitants suspect the massacre was carried out by a group referred to as “the forest shene,” who allegedly arrived at night and took the victims to the riverbank, where they were ruthlessly killed. Additionally, it was mentioned that Ato Genene Tekaleng, M/R Kassahun Eshetu, Ato Abebe Assefa, and Ato Shibru Assefa were among those abducted during this tragic event, and their current status remains unknown.
The organization has reported receiving information indicating that two individuals have lost their lives and eight others have been abducted in the region. However, they have stated that they possess no details regarding the current location of the kidnapped individuals.
The following is a list of the nine Orthodox believers who tragically lost their lives at the hands of the Oromo in the recent incident:
①Ato Zewde Reda
②Wo/ro Atalulu Ngatu
③Le Zina Legese
④Anuynesh Le Zina
⑤Belayneh Tilahun
⑥Teshome Seyum
⑦Zelalem Tekleshet
⑧Haile Workneh
⑨Ashelew Delleleg
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the area, as violence and abduction continue to pose significant threats to their safety and security. The lack of information regarding the hostages further exacerbates the distress experienced by their families and the wider community.
“እኛ የደራ አማራዎች ሟች እንጂ ገዳይ አይደለንም”
የደራ ነዋሪዎች pic.twitter.com/63Dlgu7kJ0
— ✞ Soስna (እሙ🖤)🇺🇸 (@Emuye06) December 1, 2024
What worrying me most for decades about the old country have been conflicts triggered by savage killings of innocent civilians for professing either the two major religions. If they are victimized just because they are Christians, they can be Amharas, Oromos, Tigres and many other ethnic groups. If they are targeted because they are Muslims, they can be Amharas, Oromos, Tigres and from many other ethnic groups. So, if one religion is targeted, the victims can be from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds. That until now is under control by the dwindling but effective social fabric. It is like a nuclear bomb no one wants to see it explode. But it is what these bigots and connivers sensing their ultimate failure are doing everything at their disposal to ignite. Their final conviction is ‘If Oromia is not mine, the hell with it; If Amhara or Tigray is not mine, the hell with; If Ethiopia is not mine, the hell with it.’ It has been a nightmare for me for decades.