In a statement released today, the Ethiopian Evangelical Church, Mekane Eyesus, reported that a raid by Murle tribesmen from South Sudan on the church’s spiritual assembly in Gambella Band on May 20 resulted in the deaths of nine persons.
The incident allegedly took place at around 11:00 a.m. in the “Matara” Kebele of the West Gambella Bethel Synod Service Area.
The church further said that after more than 2,700 young women, mothers, and children ended the day’s spiritual programme and sat down for dinner, a group of Murle tribesmen appeared out of nowhere, tried to kidnap the children, and opened fire on the spiritualists. According to the statement, a child was among those killed, and Gambella Hospital is currently caring for many worshippers who were injured in the attack.