The government is asked to take strong and swift action against OLF Shen and Gumuz militants.

Bahir Dar, 21 January 2021(AMMA )-The Integrated Task Force, established by PM Abiy Ahmed, on its part said the public should provide information and expose individuals who are obstructing the campaign.

The task force discussed current issues with residents of Galisa Kebele in Dabate Woreda of Metekel Zone.

Residents said during the discussion that Amhara, Oromo, Gumuz, Shinasha and other Ethiopian nations have lived together in Galisa Kebele, Debate Woreda for long.

Recently, however, they said, the ethnic-based attacks by OLF Shene and Gumuz militants are sabotaging the strong ties among communities.

Residents said the government should take immediate and irreversible action against the militants and that they are ready to cooperate.

They noted that survivors and victims of the identity-based violence are not receiving the necessary humanitarian assistance.

They also complained that though, the government has enough capacity to enforce law, but its response to the horrific attacks in Metekel is insufficient.

Discussant said the party had not taken appropriate action against the gang, citing the killing of a Gumuz prosperity party official by the gangs.

Member of the Oromia Regional State Command Post, Bezu Wakbeka, said the gang group did not care about humanity other than its own interests, citing the Oromo people as the first victims.

Member of the Amhara Regional State Command Post, Belay Zeleke, on his part said the identity-based attacks on innocent citizens is orchestrated by remnants of the ousted TPLF and that it does not represent any nation.

Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State Prosperity Party Office Head, Isaac Abdulkadir assured that the government will provide the necessary support to the victims.

Brigadier General Alemayehu Wolde, Member of the Integrated Task Force, assured that the army will make any sacrifices and clear the area from bandits.

He also noted that armed individuals can legally register and defend themselves.

Despite the relative peace in the zone after the task force took over the duty of security and law enforcement, 74 civilians were killed on January 10, 2021 in Daliti Galissa Kebele, Debate Woreda, ENA reported.

Adamu Tarekegn