The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has confirmed that 48 people were killed and 20 others injured in an armed attack in Southeast Oromia Zone, formerly known as Arsi Zone, on October 24, 2026.
In an investigation report released following the incident, the Commission said the attack also resulted in the destruction of 21 houses, the displacement of 247 households and the looting of an undetermined number of cattle and sheep.
According to the EHRC, the attack took place in Birbona Chole Kebele, Sirka Woreda, in the Southeast Oromia Zone. An armed group identified by the Commission as the Oromo Liberation Front, commonly known as OLF-Shene, reportedly entered the area from four directions and carried out the attack between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
The victims included 23 kebele-level security personnel, five militia members and 20 civilians, the report said. A further 20 people sustained injuries.
The Commission said it gathered information from victims, families of victims, eyewitnesses, community representatives, religious leaders, injured people receiving medical treatment and relevant government institutions. It also verified the killings through field observations and digital investigation methods.
The EHRC said it had repeatedly called on the government to take appropriate measures to prevent recurring attacks in several parts of the former Arsi Zone, including Aseko, Anqolo Wabe, Guna and Merti woredas, protect civilians and bring those responsible to justice. It stressed that the government has a constitutional obligation to respect, protect and fulfil citizens’ rights to life, property, physical security and liberty. It added that authorities must not only investigate human rights violations and ensure accountability but also introduce sustainable preventive measures to stop similar attacks from happening again.
EHRC Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adelo described the killings, injuries, property destruction and displacement as extremely serious, calling on the government to strengthen civilian protection in affected areas and other locations facing similar security threats.
He urged authorities to respond promptly to security threats by reviewing and strengthening local security structures and improving early warning systems.
The Commissioner also called for a prompt, independent and effective investigation into the attack, accountability for those responsible, and adequate assistance for the families of those killed and injured.
He further urged the government to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents to their villages and take immediate measures to compensate and rehabilitate victims.
The Commission said it is continuing investigations into human rights violations and the causes of attacks in different districts and periods across the Southeast Oromia Zone. It will release additional findings once the investigations are completed.
The EHRC also said it is monitoring and investigating attacks in Gambella, areas along the Oromia-Somali regional border, various parts of the Amhara Region and human rights violations linked to the conflict in the Tigray Region.