Eyewitnesses Describe Brutal Assault on Andode Dicho Village
By Oromia News Agency
(ONA, Finfinne, 12 August 2026)-Reports coming from Gida Ayana District in the East Wollega Zone indicate that armed Fano forces have carried out a devastating attack, resulting in the deaths of more than 30 innocent civilians. Eyewitnesses have told Oromia News Agency that the assault, which took place in the village of Andode Dicho, was deliberately targeted at unarmed residents.
The Attack: Eyewitness Accounts
According to eyewitnesses who spoke with Oromia News Agency, the armed group launched a coordinated assault on multiple villages in the area. Witnesses described a scene of chaos and terror as fighters swept through the community, opening fire on civilians.
“We saw them coming and there was nothing we could do,” one eyewitness recounted. “They were shooting at anyone in sight—men, women, children. It was not a battle; it was a slaughter.”
The attack has left over 30 people dead and many others wounded. Survivors are struggling to come to terms with the scale of the violence.
A Pattern of Violence
This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting civilian populations in the region. Local residents have expressed fear and frustration over the lack of security and the continued presence of armed groups.
“They attacked without warning,” another survivor said. “We are farmers, we are families—we have nothing to do with their politics. We just want to live in peace.”
Eyewitnesses also reported that the attackers looted property and burned homes before fleeing the area, adding to the suffering of the already traumatized community.
Victims Include Women and Children
The victims of the attack included men, women, and children. Families have been torn apart, and the community is in mourning. Emergency responders and local authorities are struggling to provide medical care and support to the wounded, many of whom are in critical condition.
Local officials have condemned the attack and called for an immediate investigation to bring those responsible to justice. However, eyewitnesses expressed doubt about the ability of authorities to protect them in the future.
Fano Group and the Conflict in Oromia
The Fano militia has been active in various parts of Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region, but has increasingly been involved in cross-regional violence. In Oromia, Fano forces have been accused of targeting civilians in areas with mixed populations, exacerbating ethnic tensions and causing widespread displacement.
Previous attacks in the region have led to mass displacement, economic devastation, and loss of life. The international community has raised concerns over the growing instability and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in parts of Oromia.
Eyewitness Testimonies
One survivor told Oromia News Agency:
“They came to Andode Dicho, shooting at everyone they saw. They didn’t care who it was—whether old or young, man or woman. My neighbor was killed in front of her children. We are afraid to go back to our homes. We don’t know if they will return.”
Another witness added:
“The government has failed to protect us. We are being killed and nothing is being done. We want the world to know what is happening here.”
Call for Investigation and Accountability
Human rights groups and local leaders are calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the massacre. They demand that those responsible for the attack be held accountable and that measures be taken to ensure the safety of civilians in the region.
“We have buried our loved ones. We have cried enough,” one community elder said. “We need justice, but more than that, we need peace.”
Government Response
As of now, the Fano group has not issued any official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, local authorities have pledged to investigate the attack and bring perpetrators to justice. However, community members remain skeptical, citing previous incidents where perpetrators were not held accountable.
Humanitarian Concerns
The violence in East Wollega has left many families displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, and there are reports of shortages of essential supplies. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the region and its impact on civilians.
Conclusion: A Call for Peace and Justice
The massacre in Andode Dicho is another tragic chapter in the ongoing conflict that continues to devastate communities across Oromia. As the death toll rises and families mourn, the international community, human rights organizations, and Ethiopian authorities must take urgent action to stop the violence and protect innocent civilians.
The people of Gida Ayana have suffered enough. They deserve peace, security, and justice.
This feature news is dedicated to the victims of the Andode Dicho attack and all civilians who have suffered in the ongoing conflict.
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