Security

Over 40 People, Including Children, Killed in Attack in Oromia's Shirka District

BBC · 5 hours ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
  Over 40 People, Including Children, Killed in Attack in Oromia's Shirka District
AI SUMMARY

At least 40 people, including children, were killed in an attack in the Shirka district of Oromia's Arsi zone, according to eyewitnesses and local church sources.

  • At least 40 people, including at least five children, were killed in an attack in the Shirka district of Arsi Zone, Oromia region.
  • The attack in Birbo and Chole kebele began around 5:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, 2025.
  • 46 victims of the attack were buried together in a single mass grave at St. Raphael Church.
  • About 20 people sustained severe injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
  • Attackers utilized sniper rifles, Bren light machine guns, and sharp weapons, breaking doors to target people inside homes and churches.
  • Digeru Medhane Alem Church was struck by heavy weaponry and looted during the violence.
  • Oromia communication office head Hailu Adugna blamed the Shene group for the attack, stating it aims to create ethnic and religious conflict.
  • This marks the second attack in the Shirka district within a span of one week, following previous incidents in Shirka and Honkolo Wabe districts.