At least 21 civilians including a priest killed in armed attack targeting Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) believers in Sherka Woreda (East Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia) on February 26th
Armed assailants opened fire on civilians at approximately 4 pm while residents were gathered in the area; the victims were largely followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and funeral services were conducted the following day, February 27th.
During the attack, two believers were abducted and the whereabouts of eight additional individuals remain unknown; homes and personal property were looted and movement within the area became severely restricted, further hindering rescue and medical response.
Religious authorities, including Archbishop Abune Elisaa of the Somali and East Arsi Diocese, condemned the killings, expressed condolences to families, and called on government authorities to intervene to prevent further violence amid rising fear among residents.