Ethiopian police nab 269 over deadly attack on civilians

Source: Xinhua| 2018-09-18 22:08:45|Editor: xuxin
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ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's Oromia regional state police on Tuesday disclosed the arrest of 269 individuals in connection with a deadly attack on civilians and property damage on the outskirt of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

Some 23 people have so far been confirmed dead while some 886 others have left their homes as the attack drove residents to flee and seek refuge in schools and other public facilities, according to Ethiopian police.

According to Alemayehu Ejigu, Oromia Regional State Police Commissioner, the arrested 269 suspects are now under police custody as investigations are underway in a bid to bring the perpetrators to justice.

He also revealed that police has seized various armaments with individuals who are arrested in connection with the deadly ethnic-based attack.

Thousands of people on Monday protested against the killing of civilians and property damage, urging the Ethiopian government to take action and protect civilians.

Protesters flocking to Ethiopia's national palace and national broadcaster early Monday in Addis Ababa voiced for protection and security from the government. They also urged the government to take action and bring the perpetrator to justice.

They further called for the provision of swift support from the government to the displaced people.

During the protest, however, five people were shot dead as confrontations rose between police and angry demonstrators.

According to Zeynu Jemal, Ethiopia Federal Police Commissioner, that attempts to loot property under the guise of demonstrations were underway and that some "dangerous vagrants" also tried to snatch weapons from police officers, eventually leading to the killing of five people.

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had on Sunday condemned the attack and killing of innocent people.

"Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed strongly condemns the killings and acts of violence against innocent citizens around Ashawa Meda, Kataa and Fili Doro last night," said Fitsum Arega, chief of staff of the Ethiopian Prime Minister's Office on Sunday.

"These cowardly attacks represent a grave concern to the unity and solidarity of our people and will be met with appropriate response," Ahmed, who is in Saudi Arabia to witness the signing of a peace agreement with Eritrea, was quoted as saying.

Video footage showing dead bodies and looted houses and properties appeared early Sunday on social media platforms.

The incidents on Saturday and Sunday also followed recent clashes in the capital Addis Ababa, which witnessed deadly clashes among residents of the city and youth from surrounding areas who came to celebrate the return of a rebel leader from years-long stay in exile.

Following clashes in the capital, Mayor of Addis Ababa Takele Uma on Friday warned the government will take legal measures against "conspirators" as tensions rise in the city as a large delegation led by Dawud Ibsa, leader of the previously banned rebel group Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), was due to arrive in Addis Ababa from exile.

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