Ethiopia: News - 16 Killed, More Than 16 Women and Children Abducted in Armed Attack in Gurage Zone, Residents Say
[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- At least 16 civilians were killed and more than 16 women and children were abducted during an armed attack in Abeshige District of the Gurage Zone in Central Ethiopia Regional State on Monday night, according to residents who spoke to Addis Standard.
On September 14, an armed attack occurred in the Abeshige District of the Gurage Zone in Central Ethiopia, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 civilians and the abduction of more than 16 women and children. According to residents, the violence began around 8:30 p.m. when a child aged between seven and 10 was killed. Community members gathered at a mourning house upon hearing the news, where armed men arrived and indiscriminately opened fire on the mourners, killing several more people.
In the ensuing chaos, over 16 women and children were taken captive, with their whereabouts currently unknown. Additionally, more than 30 cattle were reportedly stolen during the attack. The residents identified the armed group responsible as Fano, led locally by individuals such as Fano Commander Tadale, Shambel Tashome Wubishet, Imanyawu Birqu, and Kibru Belete.
The group, estimated to consist of 70 to 100 members, is known for blending into local communities before regrouping to carry out attacks. Some residents believe the group operates from areas where government administrative and security structures have limited control, including Borer, Medi Tedele, Kudaar 5 and 6, and Kudaar 7. A second resident confirmed the attack but put the death toll at more than 11, alleging that the abductors are demanding a ransom of between 800,000 and 2.5 million birr for the release of their captives.
Despite the presence of an Ethiopian National Defense Force camp nearby, neither the local security forces nor the federal government intervened during the attack. Fear has since spread across the district, with some families fleeing to neighboring towns and districts. Funeral ceremonies for the victims were held at the Medanialem Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the town mosque's cemetery.
The incident follows previous attacks involving armed groups identified by residents as Fano in the region, including the killing of more than 25 people in Halloo Dinkii Kebele of Nonno District on October 19, 2025, and the bombing of a wedding ceremony in Biiftuu Jaalalaa Kebele on July 3, 2025.
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