More Than 60 Christians Killed in Two Attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia Region
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church says 14 were killed in Merti district on 20 October and 46 in Shirka district four days later, including children and elderly people. A church official called it a "massacre"
The short answer
According to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, reported by AP and Christian Today, at least 60 people were killed in attacks targeting Christians in Ethiopia's Oromia region in October 2026: 14 in Merti district on 20 October and 46 in Shirka district on 24 October. The Church's Holy Synod said 20 homes were burned and victims included children and elderly people. It is not clear who carried out the attacks; the regional government has pledged action.
Two attacks four days apart have left at least 60 people dead in Ethiopia's Oromia region, according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. A church official called it a "massacre."
What Happened
- 20 October, Merti district: the Church put the death toll at 14, the Associated Press reported.
- 24 October, Shirka district: a further 46 were killed. Vatican News reported that the attack came overnight from Saturday to Sunday, with witnesses describing attackers going from home to home with guns and knives.
"At least 60 people were killed in attacks on Christians in Ethiopia's Oromia region — 14 in Merti on 20 October and 46 in Shirka on 24 October — according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The attackers have not been identified."
Click to copy and shareThe Church's Holy Synod said 20 homes were burned. Victims included children and elderly people; witnesses told the BBC that five children were among the dead. One church was reportedly damaged, while churches in nearby villages sheltered people fleeing.
"We were completely unprepared and had no prior knowledge. They surrounded us from all four directions," a man whose 75-year-old father was killed told BBC Amharic. A church official said security forces reached the area but could not stop the attack. Many residents have since fled.
Who Is Responsible?
It is not clear who carried out the attacks. The regional government has pledged action against the perpetrators.
The Church Responds
In a statement, the Church expressed its "profound sorrow," warned of rising attacks on Christians and called on the government to protect them and bring the attackers to justice. Such acts, it said, are "entirely unacceptable under the teachings of any religion" and "violate the constitutional rights to religious freedom and to life."
Years of Violence
This is not new. The BBC cited a July 2026 report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Council, a non-governmental organisation, recording 458 deaths in attacks in the area over the preceding four years. The council said armed groups had repeatedly attacked communities, particularly Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, and described the violence as religiously motivated.
Pray
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest churches in the world. Pray for the families of Merti and Shirka, for those who have fled, for protection for Christian villages, and for justice. Bring Ethiopia to your church on Sunday 1 November — and see our guide on how to pray for the persecuted church.
At least 60 people were killed in attacks on Christians in Ethiopia's Oromia region — 14 in Merti on 20 October and 46 in Shirka on 24 October — according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The attackers have not been identified.
Biblical Perspective
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants" (Psalm 116:15). God promises a day when "he will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4).
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."
— Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Father, we grieve with the families of Merti and Shirka. Comfort the children and parents who lost loved ones, shelter those who have fled, protect the Christian villages of Oromia, and bring those responsible to justice. Strengthen Your ancient church in Ethiopia. In Jesus' name, amen.
Declarations to Speak
- ›Precious in God's sight are His faithful ones!
- ›Ethiopia's church will stand!
- ›Every tear will be wiped away!
Take Action
- 1Pray for the families of the victims in Merti and Shirka districts.
- 2Pray for Ethiopian Orthodox believers who have fled their homes.
- 3Include Ethiopia in your church's prayers on Sunday 1 November.
"At least 60 Christians killed in two attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church says. Children among them. Please pray."
Pray & Speak Life Over This Story
Don't just read — respond in faith. Click below to declare that you have prayed over this story and spoken life into it. Our prayers and words have power to change the world.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." — Proverbs 18:21
Your Prayers & Words Have Power
Every time you pray over a story and speak life, you are partnering with Heaven to see God's Kingdom come on earth. When believers around the world agree in prayer, mountains move. Keep praying over these matters — your consistency in intercession is changing the world.
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
Prayer Is Powerful — So Is Action.
You've prayed. Now take it further. Join or start an outreach group in your area and take the love of Jesus to the streets. Every act of love, every meal shared, every prayer prayed in person is the Kingdom advancing in your community.
"Faith without works is dead." — James 2:26
Questions people are asking
How many Christians were killed in Ethiopia in October 2026?
+
According to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, at least 60 people were killed in attacks on Christians in Oromia: 14 in Merti district on 20 October and 46 in Shirka district on 24 October.
Who attacked Christians in Oromia?
+
It is not clear who carried out the October 2026 attacks. The regional government has pledged action. The Ethiopian Human Rights Council has recorded 458 deaths in attacks in the area over four years and described the violence as religiously motivated.
Sources & further reading
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."
Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
Get encouraging Kingdom news, testimonies, and prayer points weekly.
Related Stories
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church 2026: What It Is and How to Take Part
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) falls on the first Sunday of November — Sunday 1 November in 2026. Here's what it is, who leads it, and a ready-to-use plan for praying with your church.
Persecution Worsened in 10 of 18 Countries — and Improved in None, ACN's 2026 Report Finds
ACN's latest Persecuted and Forgotten? report, covering August 2024 to June 2026, found conditions for Christians deteriorated in 10 of the 18 countries it examined — including China, Nigeria and Pakistan — and improved overall in none.
Gunmen Kill Nine at a Christian Funeral in Jordan
On Friday 23 October, gunmen attacked a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak province, Jordan. The death toll rose to nine the next day, with nearly 40 wounded. Jordan called it a terrorist attack; the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese said it would only make Christians "cling to" the land "more firmly."