June 18, 2024 : Residents of Jiga Town in the Amhara Region have reported a brutal attack resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people at the hands of Abiy Ahmed’s armed forces.
Eyewitnesses and local sources recounted a harrowing scene where civilians, including teachers, bank employees and drivers were targeted and killed.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, saw security forces entering the town and immediately began shooting civilians, according to eyewitnesses speaking to Ethiopia Insider. One witness described, to Voice of America, how civilians were dragged out of Goh Hotel, where they were shot dead in plain sight.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic aftermath, with some residents fleeing the town in fear. Reports indicate that two families were initially reported missing, their fate unknown until their bodies were discovered and removed from the scene the following day.
Medical personnel at Jiga Health Center have confirmed receiving casualties from the attack, including individuals who succumbed to their injuries without receiving medical attention. The exact number of casualties is yet to be determined as some injured individuals were transferred to Finote Selam Hospital for further treatment.
Residents expressed shock and grief over the targeted killings, with many fearing further violence amidst the tense atmosphere in Jiga Town. Abiy Ahmed’s armed forces reportedly remained in the town center until early afternoon, further heightening tensions among the local population.
Ethiopian Insider has verified the identities of some of the deceased, with details provided by local officials and witnesses. A member of parliament from Jiga , Abebaw Desalew, confirmed the identities of twelve citizens killed during the incident, emphasizing the gravity of the situation facing residents of Jiga Town.
Abiy Ahmed’s government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
