Here’s a chilling reality that demands our attention: At least five Ethiopian Orthodox Christians have been brutally murdered in a fresh wave of violence in the Merti district of Arsi, Oromia regional state. This tragic incident occurred on Monday, adding to a growing list of atrocities targeting this religious community. But here's where it gets even more disturbing—these individuals were killed after being forced to harvest teff farms for militia forces, a grim reminder of the exploitation and violence they face.
Three more individuals, previously reported missing after an earlier attack, have also been found dead, bringing the total death toll to eight. Local authorities, contacted by a Borkena reporter in Addis, confirmed these heartbreaking details. The victims, including a married couple and their neighbor, are set to be laid to rest on Thursday, leaving behind a community in mourning.
And this is the part most people miss—the cycle of violence doesn’t end there. In a related development, a child who miraculously survived last week’s attack has had his leg amputated in a hospital in Wolaita, following a medical decision by doctors. His story, accompanied by a photo, has gone viral on Ethiopian social media, sparking outrage and sympathy alike.
Last week, 25 Orthodox Christians were massacred, bringing the total number of Orthodox Christians killed in October to a staggering 33. In Sherka district of Arsi alone, 144 Orthodox Christians have been killed since September, a statistic that should alarm us all. Yet, controversially, the Oromia region’s Arsi zone administration has denied these killings, claiming there is no security issue and describing the situation as ‘peaceful.’ The region’s police echo this sentiment, further fueling public disbelief and anger.
This denial has ignited a firestorm on social media, with users demanding accountability and justice. A member of the zone’s diocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church revealed to Borkena that over 200 believers have been killed in Merti district in recent years, a figure that raises serious questions about the safety and protection of this community.
But here’s the controversial question: How can authorities claim ‘peace’ when the evidence of violence is so overwhelming? And what steps should be taken to ensure the safety of Orthodox Christians in these regions? We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and demand the attention this crisis deserves.
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