A dozen people, believed to be civilians where massacred in the town of Metekel in the Benishangul-Gumuz regional state in Western Ethiopia, according to confirmed reports.
The Amhara branch of DW Germany reported 12 where killed and 11 others wounded when unknown culprits attacked the town. The identities of the assailants remain unknown. The gun men reportdly entered the town and began indiscriminately opening fire on civilians, and fleeing the seen shortly afterwards.
On the contrary Ethiopia state media known as FANA claims otherwise. FANA published on its Regime owned website the 12 civilians where killed due to extraordinary reasons. Listed below is an excerpt from the Pro regime mouthpiece (FANA)
“Twelve people were killed and 11 others injured in a conflict in Metekel zone, Benishangul-Gumuz regional state, said the regional state’s peace building and security bureau.
Those injured in the conflict which occurred in Mandura woreda (district) were admitted to medical center, according to Abera Bayeta, head of the bureau.
In addition to the lives lost and injuries, the conflict also caused damages to properties, he said.
The conflict was caused after unknown individuals attacked administrator of Mariam kebele with a knife and grabbed his gun, Abera said”
Despite the contradicting claims from different sides, the Benishangul Gumuz regional state has been rocked by conflict in recent weeks. The latest string of killings tonight comes two weeks after 50 civilians where massacred in the same town of Metekel according to a report published by the British based Reuters news agency.
We will keep you updated with the latest developments from the region.
Halgan Media
