Arsi Religious Officials Push Back on Human Rights Commission Findings

June 9, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Religious officials in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone have disputed the casualty figures released by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) regarding a recent armed attack in Asseko Woreda, Oromia Region, setting up a direct contradiction over the scale of fatalities and destruction.

The controversy centres on violence that took place in Asseko Woreda on May 31 and June 1, 2026 Ethiopian calendar, when armed assailants attacked local communities.

EHRC reported that three people were killed in the incident, a figure now being challenged by church authorities in the area.

The Asseko Woreda church administration said the number of people killed stood at 13, adding that some victims were only recovered and buried days after the attack.

The church authority also said several individuals remain unaccounted for following the violence. According to the church, the attack also triggered widespread displacement and property destruction, including the burning of residential homes and a church.

Church officials in Arsi rejected the commission’s findings, describing them as inaccurate and not aligned with what they said was field-based verification and community-level data.