Abbay Media News
Gadissa Kuma
Residents of Qobo city who were peacefully protesting the killing of several youth during a Christian religious procession suffered more killings and injuries in the hands of government soldiers. Soldiers who are paid by taxpayers to keep the peace used high-caliber guns and helicopters to attack the very people that they were supposed to protect. As a result, at least seven individuals, including a child, were killed; several people are also thrown into jails.
According to reports from the area, residents of the city were expressing their frustration to government soldiers’ for using excessive force which resulted in loss of life, including the senseless killings of children. The confrontation between residents and soldiers also resulted in the death of one government soldier and the destruction of various buildings and institutions.
Furthermore, while residents of the city demand the withdrawal of federal soldiers from the city, the government ignored this popular demand and flooded the city with more soldiers and military vehicles with powerful guns installed on them. Military helicopters were also flying overhead until late into the night. The strategy the federal government is implementing is widely feared to lead to more violence.
Ethiopians across the globe are saddened by the loss of life. They are also praying and hoping to see the government acting responsibly to address the legitimate demands of the people in a sensible manner instead of rushing to kill and jail innocent people.
