Journalist Getiye Yalew
SHERKA, East Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia — More than 43 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church followers killed in a coordinated attack on three kebeles in Sherka district, East Arsi Zone, according to sources who survived the attack.
Survivors identified the alleged perpetrators as members of the Ethiopian regime aligned armed group known as “Raap’i Ola.” Sources say the attackers traveled from Asella to Sherka late at night on 24 October, 2026, and carried out the killings in the kebeles of Torita, Berbona Chole and Sole.
According to eyewitnesses, members of the armed group worked with local Oromia Prosperity Party militia and police personnel to carry out the attack.
Survivors said the attackers threatened the victims, telling them: “Your country lies beyond the Awash River. Leave our region. This is Oromo land.”
The attackers reportedly buried 36 victims in a single grave at St. Urael Church and three others in a separate grave at the St. Michael Church.
The attackers also reportedly looted Sole Medhanealem Church in Sherka and killed its gate man.
Children and elderly people are among the victims. Sources warned that the death toll could rise because some bodies remained scattered in nearby bushes and had not yet been recovered.
The sources further alleged that Abiy Ahmed’s regime affiliated and non-governmental armed groups, along with local civilians allegedly incited by hatred, participated in the attack.
Church authorities condemned the attack and no response from the regime authorities or the accused parties appears in the account provided.
