Warring tribes have attacked a Catholic church in Ethiopia, reportedly leaving “not even a teaspoon” as they looted the compound with pickaxes and metal bars.
Father David Kulandai Samy described it as an “unforgettable” assault and a “painful situation” for the Apostolic Vicariate of Gambella and Illubabor, finding bullet holes in the walls of the presbytery and church when he returned to secure the compound.
Clashes between the Anyuak and Nuer tribes led to an attack on the parish compound on 18th December 2025, starting at dawn when the Nuer tribe occupied the presbytery and church surroundings.
Large groups then arrived with more than 20 dump trucks and heavy weapons, robbing people at gunpoint and breaking into houses.
Mass kits, altar clothes, electrical goods and school items were all among the items stolen. The looters also made off with Fr Samy’s belongings, including clothes and identity cards, plus food for children.
A statue of Jesus was also stolen and a new crib was destroyed.
Fr Samy described the incident as an “unforgettable day and scare in the history of Itang Catholic mission” to charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
“In this tragic incident, what was more painful is to know some of them who came to loot were our own catholic Faithful, catechists, youth leaders and choir members belonging to that particular ethnic group," he said.
When returning to the site in January to properly secure the doors, Fr Sammy found bullet wounds on the walls of the house and church, and roof sheets severely damaged.
“It is heart breaking to see a developing mission collapse to zero again… all property damaged, looted and people killed, wounded and scattered. May God help and give us courage to continue in his mission,” he added.
Dr Caroline Hull, ACN national director, visited Ethiopia a few weeks before the attack, stressing that the situation was rapidly declining amid flooding and escalating “ethnic violence”.
“His wasn’t the only parish affected – at least two others were also attacked and badly damaged. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected,” she added.