A High Church Official and an Orthodox Priest Killed in Oromia as Persecution Continues in Ethiopia

ESG – OCP News Service – 18/12/2025

Addis Ababa- Ethiopia: The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) has confirmed the killing of two priests who were abducted in Horo Guduru Welega Zone, Oromia Region, on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

The victims are ‘Meleake Edom’ Priest Dhuguma Uffa, the Diocesan Administrator of the Horo Guduru Welega Diocese, and Priest Desalegn Nemomsa, a servant of the diocese and a member of the Mahibere Kidusan Association. The two priests were among five clergy abducted while returning from celebrating the annual feast of Saint Mary of Zion at Hareto Saint Mary’s Church, near Shanbu Town. Three of the abducted clergy were later released, while the two priests were killed.

Following the incident, His Grace Abune Nikodimos, the newly appointed Bishop of the Horo Guduru Welega Diocese, issued a condolence message expressing deep grief over the loss of the two servants of the Church.

An official of the diocese stated that targeted attacks against Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians and clergy have been ongoing in the zone for some time, resulting in the deaths of several faithful and clergy members. Although the situation had remained relatively quiet for approximately one year and six months, the official noted that fear has forced many church servants to suspend their ministries.

The diocesan official further indicated that the attackers were armed militants operating in the region, which might implicate them as members of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).

According to church-affiliated media sources, the number of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians killed in Oromia over the past two months has risen to more than 40.

Sources:
– EOTC TV
– Mahibere Kidusan Broadcast Service
– Tewahedo Media Center
– TIKVAH-ETHIOPIA – BBC Amharic