ONM-ABO (15 May 2026) — A horrifying wave of politically motivated violence targeting civilians has swept through the West Wallagga region and the village of Addis Hiwoot, demonstrating a complete breakdown of human rights protections under regional paramilitary structures.
In Addis Hiwoot, elderly and vulnerable populations have come under direct attack. Reports confirm the fatal assault of Mr Xaaso Baqqala Gurmu, a 70-year-old resident who was beaten to death by individuals identified as affiliates of the ruling PP. In a coordinated act of aggression, the nearby residence of Mr Gamada Baqqala Gurmu was targeted with hand grenades. The explosive assault completely destroyed his home by fire and left Mr Gamada in critical condition with severe physical injuries.
Meanwhile, in Margaa Gelel village within the Gimbii district of West Wallagga, a militia unit operating out of Wadaboo school has initiated a campaign of terror against young students and local families. On 12 May, four young schoolgirls, Guddattuu Masgabuu, Biftuu Fiqaaduu, Biqiltu Fiqaaduu, and Hannah Alamuu, were subjected to brutal beatings and arbitrary detention.
Hannah Alamuu was singled out for severe torture based on fabricated accusations of “having links with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)” before being transferred to a district prison. This followed an incident on 10 May where local operative Lataa Jargafaa and four armed militiamen raided the girls’ homes, violently assaulting them in front of their families and confiscating their mobile phones. Outraged villagers have reiterated that the victims are minors with no political involvement whatsoever.
The onslaught in Margaa Gelel continued on 11 May, when the same militia group raided the home of Mrs Aagituu Angari. The forces destroyed a trunk belonging to her son, Pheexiroos Habtee, burning all of his clothes and issuing explicit death threats, vowing to execute him if he returned to the village. Local observers emphasize that Pheexiroos is a non-political farmer who serves as the sole provider for his family. Critics argue these continuous atrocities are stark evidence that the paramilitary forces deployed by the Prosperity Party administration are not there to protect the public, but rather to terrorize the Oromo populace and maintain absolute control through fear.
