In a recent unsettling incident in Dicho, a village located within the Gida Ayana district of East Wollega Zone, Western Oromia, several unarmed civilians were reported dead and injured. Preliminary information from local sources indicates the involvement of the Fano militia, though a thorough investigation is still underway.
Upon the incident’s aftermath, multiple injured individuals were transported to Gida Ayana Hospital. An anonymous medical official confirmed the admittance of eleven individuals. Out of these, five succumbed to their injuries, including Bilashitti Jiboo, Babu Haji, and brothers Amin Nuru, Taji Nuru, and Tola Nuru.
Contextual details surrounding this incident were provided by an educator affiliated with the Gida Ayana Secondary School. According to this source, just a day prior to the major incident, government forces had interactions with an Isuzu driver, Mohammedo Mohammed, near the Gida Ayana hospital. The nature of the interaction led to complications, resulting in Mohammed’s death in Qore village, a short distance from the town. Additionally, two other individuals, Abara Abdissa and Imiru Tolera, were reportedly injured during the same episode.
Further reports suggest that the Fano militia’s subsequent actions on September 15 targeted a group of individuals who were en route to attend Mohammed’s funeral. The events took place in Andode Dicho between the hours of 8 to 10 pm. An unnamed resident of Gida Ayana provided insights into the incident, detailing how the involved parties directed the vehicle’s occupants to step out before actions escalated.
The same resident also mentioned additional occurrences in areas near Gida Ayana, referencing incidents in both Eder Dirree village and Qarsa town, resulting in multiple casualties.
In an official capacity, Wakgari Gudaya of the Gida Ayana district communication department commented on the situation, acknowledging the severity of the incidents and confirming that both local police and army are taking necessary actions in response.
For context, the region has seen sporadic violent incidents in the past. Notably, last year, the Kiremu district experienced a series of unsettling events, with several individuals, including a district court judge named Damtew Kefyalew Gemeda, losing their lives.
