Three people were killed in Abol Woreda, between Abol and Gambella town, and one person sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Gambella Hospital.

According to local reports, the victims are members of the Abesha or Highlander community (Amhara, Oromo, Tigre, Kambata or any light skinned individual who live in Gambella). Allegations have been made that the attackers were from the Anyuak community; however, these claims have not been independently verified.

The incident has heightened tensions in the area, where previous reports have described ethnic violence affecting the Abesha community in Gambella. Now, the Abesha community as well as the Nuer are facing these barbarics which for years have been killing Nuer on roads, ambulances and city centres.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement confirming the circumstances of the attack on  three civilians described as highlanders who were summarily killed while traveling by Bajaj from Abol to Gambella City.

Security forces, including the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP), and the Gambella Regional Special Force, are reportedly conducting operations in response to the attack.

Over recent months, there have been increased tensions and violent incidents involving members of different communities in the Gambella region, including Highlander groups such as Amhara, Tigray, Oromo, Kambatta, and others from the Ethiopian highlands.

The latest incident occurred less than a month after the killing of a truck driver whose vehicle was set on fire following a tragic accident that resulted in the death of an Anyuak man when the vehicle malfunctioned.

The truck driver was killed at the scene and his vehicle was set a blaze. This incident happened in a broad daylight. Local sources allege that armed individuals from the Anyuak community were responsible for the attack. None of these perpetrators were brought to to justice.

The circumstances surrounding both incidents remain serious and warrant a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities. Community leaders and government officials are urged to ensure accountability and to take steps to prevent further violence and protect all civilians, regardless of their ethnic background.