Groups say only TPLF responsible for Ireecha massacre, OFC puts death toll at over 600

ESAT News (October 3, 2016)

The Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) and  Patriotic Ginbot 7 for Unity and Democracy (PG7) said in a statement today that only the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the clique in power, was responsible for the senseless death of hundreds of festival goers in Bishoftu on Sunday.

The parties said in a statement on Monday that the only way such carnage could be avoided was by removing the ruthless regime from power. The parties said it was high time that opposition political groups, setting aside their differences, come as one and augment the struggle launched against the TPLF/EPRDF.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress, Mulatu Gamachu told the VOA that based on data collected by its members, the death toll from Sunday’s mass murder has reached 678.

A member of OFC, Legesse Tadesse, who lives in Bishoftu, said he counted 146 bodies. The regime insisted only 55 people died in a stampede.