Gunmen ambush passenger buses traveling in Ethiopia’s Gambella region, leaving at least 10 dead and dozens wounded amid recurring security challenges
Borkena Desk
TORONTO, Canada — At least 10 civilians were reportedly killed on Friday in Ethiopia’s Gambella region, with several others wounded when gunmen attacked passenger buses. Residents who spoke to sources put the death toll at 16, with the number of wounded exceeding 60.
A DW Amharic report indicates that about six buses were traveling from the capital, Gambella city, to the Itang, Lare, Abol, and Jikawo districts.
In Abol district, located about 48 kilometers from Gambella city, passenger buses have faced recurring attacks. An anonymous eyewitness citing security reasons told DW Amharic that at least 10 people died after gunmen opened fire in the morning on six passenger buses traveling to Itang district under security escorts.
DW Amharic reports that several similar attacks have occurred in the same locality previously. “It is happening because the security issue is not resolved,” the resident stated.
Another resident from Jikawo district (also spelled Jikau) noted, “The death toll from the attack on the vehicle is increasing.” One person who sustained serious injuries during Friday’s attack died on Saturday.
Witnesses describe the incident as an organized, large-scale assault.
Mabhar Khor, head of Gambella Regional Peace and Security Affairs, confirmed the attack in Abol but provided limited details, stating, “There are groups who hide by the roadside and carry out attacks.” The identities of the perpetrators remain unspecified.
DW Amharic reports indicate that the gunmen usually carry out identity-based attacks.
In a related development, gunfire was reported in locality 03 of Gambella city, the seat of the regional government, though casualty details remain unconfirmed.
The Gambella region has experienced a prolonged security crisis.
The Federal Government has not yet commented on the situation.
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