Tragedy Strikes in Oromia Region: Three Killed, One Injured in Fano Militia Attack
A devastating attack on August 31, 2024, in Kiremu district, East Wollega zone of the Oromia region, has left three individuals dead and one person injured. The victims, identified as Regasa Godo, Merga Amante, and Belachew Danyo, were killed while returning from the market in Merga Jiregna village to Wasti village.
According to Desalegn Filate, a resident of Merga Jiregna village and a relative of the deceased, the victims were killed by members of the Fano militia. Tibebu Mosse, the administrator of Wasti village, corroborated Desalegn’s account, stating that the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) arrived too late in the area to prevent the killings.
The victims’ families have been left reeling from the tragedy, with Regasa Godo being the father of ten children, Merga Amante having seven children, and Belachew Danyo leaving behind seven children. The injured individual, Desale Chokulu, a 38-year-old father of six, received initial medical care at a local health facility before being transferred to several hospitals due to his critical condition.
The attack has raised concerns about the lack of security in the area, with Desalegn emphasizing the devastating impact on the victims’ families and the urgent need for support. Another resident of Merga Jiregna village echoed Desalegn’s concerns, stating that local officials in the Kiremu district have failed to provide protection, instead instilling fear among residents and driving people away from villages such as Nono and Limu.
The Fano militia has been implicated in several attacks in the region, including an incident on June 5, 2024, in Arro Village, which resulted in the deaths of three civilians, and another attack on June 16, 2024, in Wasti village, which led to the deaths of eight civilians and left 13 others injured. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), also known as "Shane," has been linked to an attack on June 3, 2024, in Arro Village, which claimed the lives of a mother and her three children.
The ongoing violence and lack of security in the region have displaced numerous individuals living along the Amhara-Oromia border since 2023. Despite a reconciliation between the two communities four months ago, many have returned to their homes, only to find no security personnel in place to safeguard their safety.
