A deacon was killed, and 11 clergymen of the Debre Genet St. Lidata Lemariam Church were kidnapped by groups labeled as Shene, as reported by Addis Maleda<\/a>. The clergymen were getting ready to start the midnight prayer (Mahlet) on Saturday, October 29, 2022, around 11 pm when the gunmen stormed the church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the report, one deacon was killed in the attack. The Church Administrator, three priests, four deacons, and three church security members were abducted. The Church Administrator and two priests were released after paying ransom three days later on Wednesday, November 5, 2022. The clergy did not sustain any bodily harm. According to Addis Maleda, efforts were underway to get the remaining abductees released in the same manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report also includes that five clergymen of Birbirsa Mariam, 20 km away, were kidnapped by Shene a week earlier and were released after a few days. Birti town was occupied by the Shene gunmen until the national Defence Force took over a week later. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gunmen looted and damaged properties in the town. Many civilians were kidnapped, and some do not know the whereabouts of their family members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n