By Staff Reporter
April 9, 2020 (Ezega.com) -- At least eight people were killed in Gilgel Beles town of Benishangul Gumuz regional state in western Ethiopia due to ethnic-based attacks.
Residents of the town told Ezega.com that members of the government security forces were deployed in the town but were not willing to stop the ethnic skirmishes.
The clashes which began last Friday have expanded in rural localities of the region and continue to claim more lives and destroy properties.
The clashes reportedly were critical in 01 and 02 Kebeles (localities) and around at a place called China Camp where three houses were burned down.
The attack was carried by an organized armed youth group who also selectively attacked government offices, forcing the employees to leave offices.
The attack was supported by heavy guns and the youth group blocks roads and movement of people and vehicles are gravely disrupted.
Accordingly, thousands of residents have left for Pawe special district fleeing the attack in the town as government security forces appear to be indifferent to stop violence.
The Benishangul Gumuz Police Commission said two people were killed. It is said to be working to resolve the conflict in the town as well as in Metekel zones and rehabilitate the displaced people.
Mohammed Amdenil, Police Commissioner of the Benishangul Gumuz region told DW Amharic that about 12 members of the armed group have been apprehended and investigations against them are underway.
Similarly, a father and his son who were members of the Great Commission Ministry Ethiopia, a religious-based organization operating in western Ethiopia and a 17-year-old child were killed in Genji town by the “Shene” rebel force of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF).
Girma Altaye, Manager of the ministry said the innocent people were killed in Ginji town of the west Oromia while they were going back home after the activities of the ministry were suspended due to the spreading COVID-19.
Administrator of the Western Oromia Elias Umeta confirmed the death of the three people by members of insurgent group in the western Oromia.
After a recent visit to western Oromia, President of the Oromia region Shimeles Abdissa said peace has returned in western Oromia after the national defense forces dismantled the insurgent group.
Security situations in western Oromia remain fragile as the insurgents continue to kill government officials, the recent being administrative and security head of the Nekeme city.
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