Gambella, Ethiopia – An attack by Murle militants on a bus traveling from Dima to Gambella city resulted in the deaths of six civilians, according to the Gambella Regional Administration speaking to TIKVAH-Ethiopia. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, May 17, 2017 E.C., involved militants ambushing the bus, which was carrying over 30 passengers.
Mr. Ojulou Gilo, Head of the regional communication bureau, confirmed that six passengers were killed in the assault by Murle tribal militants, specifically identifying four men and two women who died inside the vehicle. Security forces are reportedly pursuing the attackers.
While details on injuries were not immediately available, information received by authorities indicates that a regional kebele militia member, who was a passenger on the bus, engaged one of the Murle militants in a retaliatory action, resulting in the militant’s death.
Mr. Gilo described the militants’ activities, including cattle raiding and child abduction, as a recurring “trend.” He acknowledged that the site of Sunday’s bus attack is an area often subject to attention from district officials, but stressed that “yesterday’s incident was accidentally severe.” He contrasted this with previous attacks that typically resulted in one or two fatalities, noting that “yesterday’s attack was a bit sad.” Despite the incident, he asserted that security forces in the area maintain proper control.
The Gambella region had previously expressed concerns a month prior, stating that the period until the end of April is particularly challenging due to drying ponds, which facilitate the militants’ movement. Authorities emphasized the need for a collective effort to secure entry points for the militants, highlighting the difficulty of fully guarding the extensive border with military forces.
