Addis Abeba – Horo Guduru Wollega Zone of Oromia region bore witness to a tragic incident on 12 December, 2023, orchestrated by individuals identified as “members of the non-state militia, Fano.” The appalling incident resulted in the loss of at least 13 lives, with several others enduring injuries.
The victims, according to reports from residents of the district, were traveling from a village known as Korkobe in the Amuru district of Horo Guduru Wollega Zone to the Bure district in the West Gojam Zone of the Amhara region.
A local teacher, speaking on the condition of anonymity, informed Addis Standard that “the victims were en route to the Bure district in the Amhara region for crop harvesting when they fell prey to an attack by the militants.” He further stated that the casualties included individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as peasants, entrepreneurs, and farmers.
According to the resident, the deceased individuals include Tabsulo Dasale, Chala Dejash, Werkalem Sirabizu, Jaleta Zelalem, Arego Melesa, Gazu Teferra, Mola Addisu, and Abeba Temesgen.
Another resident in the district, corroborating the teacher’s account of the incident to Addis Standard, provided additional details, stating that the victims, who were en route to the Bure district in the Amhara region, commenced their journey from the Amuru district situated in the Horo Guduru Wollega Zone of the Oromia region.
This resident reiterated the incident, providing additional details that the militia members attacked a Sinotrack truck owned by Nuguse Banja, leading to the tragic deaths of 13 individuals. “Fortunately, four others survived the attack by jumping from the vehicle,” he stated.
This marks the latest in a series of attacks on unarmed civilians attributed to assailants identified by local residents as members of the Fano militia. In mid-September 2023, Addis Standard reported on an incident in the village of Dincho, located in the Gidda Ayana district within the East Wollega Zone. This attack resulted in several fatalities, including three members of a single family, while survivors sustained severe injuries.
According to a medical professional at the Gida Ayana hospital, who spoke to Addis Standard on the condition of anonymity, of the eleven individuals admitted to the hospital, five succumbed to their injuries.
The armed assault that took place in the Andode Dincho area in mid-September targeted civilian mourners traveling from Nekemte to Gidda Ayana to attend the funeral. AS
