Twelve killed in western Ethiopia attacks

At least 12 people have been killed in the western Ethiopian state of Benishangul-Gumuz in the second round of violence in less than a week, according to authorities.

State spokesperson, Melese Beyene, briefed the press that the violence was a ‘conflict among individuals’ and that arrests were made.

But a senior official from the opposition National Movement of the Amhara, Desalegn Chane, alleged that the violence was a continuation of ethnic-related attacks against minorities.

He said the number of fatalities could be as high as 18.

Last week officials from the region said 14 civilians were killed during attacks. Fourteen others who were alleged perpetrators of the attacks were also killed.

The region has witnessed a surge in violence in the past few months with ethnic Amhara and Agew minorities being targeted.