9 security personnel killed in a sudden ambush by gunmen in Ethiopia
The South Ethiopia Regional State Police Commission has reported that several police officers and security personnel were killed in a sudden attack described as a “heinous act” in Koshale Kebele, Geresse Zuria Woreda, Gamo Zone.
According to a statement issued on 1 October 2026, the personnel were attacked while performing their duties. The commission said efforts are underway to track down and apprehend those responsible, but it provided no further details on the circumstances of the attack or the identity of the alleged perpetrators.
The commission released the names of nine police and security personnel killed in the incident:
- Inspector Abyot Ashenafi
- Chief Sergeant Yesef Bante
- Chief Sergeant Tamirat Kanbata
- Deputy Inspector Hassan Dilnesaw
- Captain Ermias Durcha Kulo
- Vice Corporal Admasu Kasaye Kentusa
- Inspector Abyot Deboch
- Constable Belete Bugaya
- Deputy Inspector Matyos Gino
Separately, the Gamo Zone Police Department issued a condolence message for Assistant Sergeant Yoseph Umato, who died on 28 September while returning from a government mission. The department described him as a dedicated law enforcement officer.
The attack occurs against a backdrop of prolonged security tensions and unresolved local grievances in the wider area. Authorities expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended condolences to the victims’ families and members of the regional police force.