Ethiopia church synod said two attacks killed at least 60 Orthodox Christians in Oromia
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Holy Synod said Monday that at least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in attacks in Oromia on Oct. 20 and 24. The church said more than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes burned. Al Jazeera reported that a local official accused a rebel alliance including the Oromo Liberation Army; OLA has denied attacking civilians.
More context
At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in two attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Holy Synod said Monday, Oct. 26. Al Jazeera reported the attacks occurred Oct. 20 and 24. The synod described the killings as “extremely tragic cruelty and suffering inflicted on our citizens.” It also said more than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes were burned.
Vatican News reported that attackers went house to house, killing residents with gunfire and knives, and that elderly people and children were among the victims. Al Jazeera, citing media reports, said a local official accused a newly formed rebel alliance that includes the Oromo Liberation Army. The OLA has previously denied allegations that it attacked civilians. Church leaders called on federal and regional authorities to strengthen civilian protection and bring those responsible to justice.
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Reporting
- ABC News — Attacks kill at least 60 Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, church says
- Al Jazeera — Sixty Christians killed in Ethiopia’s Oromia region | Conflict News | Al Jazeera
- Vatican News — Sixty people killed in attack on Orthodox Christian village in Ethiopia - Vatican News
- Africanews — Ethiopia: At least 60 Christians killed in attacks in Oromia region
- Newswav — At least 60 Christians killed in Ethiopia following two massacres
- allafrica.com — Africa: All of Africa Today - October 27, 2026 - allAfrica.com
- newsofbahrain.com — Ethiopia Massacre: 60 Killed in Oromia Attacks | News of Bahrain
Verifier’s note
AllAfrica, ABC News, Al Jazeera, News of Bahrain, Vatican News, Africanews, and Newswav report that at least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, consistent with the claim. ABC News carries the AP report and Africanews attributes its report to Reuters; the other results include separate coverage from AllAfrica, Al Jazeera, News of Bahrain, and Vatican News.