Orthodox Bloodshed in Arsi: Five More Martyred, Three Abducted in Oromia Region, Ethiopia

ESG – OCP News Service – 05/11/2025

Addis Ababa- Ethiopia: In the latest wave of violence targeting Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia, five believers (Yirga Sisay, Yeshitela Sisay, Tibebu Zeqargachew, Amogne Haileye, and Negusse Kebede) were killed and three others abducted 12 kilometers from Abomsa Town in Gado locality, Merti district, within the Eastern Arsi Diocese on Monday, November 3, 2025. They were laid to rest in Debre Genet Light of the Resurrection Holy Savior Church in Abomsa on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

According to local Church sources, the victims were attacked while sharing lunch after returning from their farm work. They were survivors of previous attacks and in hiding while local authorities called them for harvest where they were slain. The brutal killings have sent shockwaves through the community, deepening fears over the continued persecution of Orthodox Christians in the area.

East Arsi Diocesan Administrative Council has stated that it has established a committee to support the victims and families while adding that the situation was dire and needed swift action. The Acting Synod of the Church consequently has stated that It has established a delegation that will go to all the affected districts to console victims and families, and to gather full information on what had transpired. Similarly, the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia has sent an investigative group to the region to resolve matters.

Sources:
-Addis Ababa Diocese Media Service
-Menker Media
-Mahibere Kidusan Broadcast Service
-TIKVAH-ETHIOPIA
-EOTC TV