An armed group shot and killed at least 100 civilians, injuring many others, in Bekuji Kebele of Bulen woreda on December 23, 2020, according to a report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The residents were asleep when the gunmen set their homes on fire. The affected area is home to ethnic Oromos, Amharas, and Shinashas, with the majority of the victims being ethnic Shinashas.
EHRC spoke with 36 victims who were undergoing treatment at Bulen hospital. Most of them had sustained gunshot wounds, while some were attacked with arrows. The victims reported that the armed men also caused damage to properties, burned houses, and destroyed harvested crops not only in Bulen but also in Chelenko and Dosho woredas. As a result, people in Dibate woreda have been fleeing their homes out of fear of similar attacks.
According to witnesses interviewed by EHRC, the attack began at 4:00 am on December 22, 2020, shortly after the federal forces had left their positions, and it lasted until midday. The victims stated that they recognized the assailants.
EHRC has called for federal control of the Metekel zones, stating that the security situation is beyond the control of the regional government. For more information, click here.
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