Reports indicate that over 45 people, including Wacale district administrator Nigussie Koru, lost their lives during an armed ambush on Friday, November 1, 2024, in the North Shewa Zone of Oromia. Eyewitnesses describe the attack as part of intensified clashes between government forces and suspected Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) fighters.
A resident, speaking under conditions of anonymity, said the assault began in the early hours as government forces and armed groups engaged in combat near Wacale. Nigussie, who was accompanied by security personnel, was ambushed en route to the Kara area, where he intended to address local security concerns. The Prosperity Party’s North Shewa office later confirmed Nigussie was fatally shot, attributing responsibility to the “OLF-Shane group,” the term government sources often use to identify the OLA.
The OLA has not issued any comment on the incident.
Nigussie Koru, who previously held the position of Alaltuu district administrator, was recently appointed to oversee Wacale. The Prosperity Party offered condolences to his family, acknowledging the loss amid growing security challenges.
This incident adds to a troubling trend in the Oromia region, where local officials have faced targeted attacks during an ongoing six-year conflict between government forces and the OLA. Earlier, in June 2023, district administrators in Saden Sodo and Ada Barga were similarly targeted by armed groups, with both losing their lives. Other regional officials, including the head of the Prosperity Party office in East Wollega, have also been killed in ambushes.
The Oromia conflict has severely impacted local communities, with reports of civilian casualties and human rights concerns continuing to mount.
