Four suspects in Todonyang fishermen killings arrested in Ethiopia

Four Ethiopian Dassanech militiamen, who are alleged to have been involved in the killing of Kenyan fishermen near the volatile Todonyang border, have been arrested by the Ethiopian authorities.

Sources indicate that the Ethiopian security agencies captured the suspects during an operation in their hideouts along the Omo River.

The four suspects are currently being held at the Omorate Police Station in the Southern Omo region of Ethiopia.

A few days ago, the militia attacked and killed four fishermen while a previous attack left 47 dead with only seven bodies being found.

A report by the National Police Service indicated that the fishermen were attacked and shot at close range while they were asleep at the shores of Lake Turkana, a few metres from the patrol base.

After the attack, they fled towards the Ethiopian villages of Lopeimukat and Lotira, taking with them firearms seized from the victims.

Confirming the arrest, Omorate Woreda administrator Tadale Hate said the suspects surrendered after security officers detained their parents.

“We have asked the Kenyan security officers to come and confirm the arrests and participate in the identification parade,” he confirmed.

He added that the local administration is committed to long-term peace and stability along the troubled border.

This is a breakthrough on the on the long-standing cycle of violence in the Todonyang region, which has witnessed deadly conflicts fueled by ethnic tensions, resource competition, and border disputes.

Turkana County Police Commander John Tarus has also confirmed receiving reports of the arrests from their Ethiopian counterparts but stated that Kenyan security officers had not yet visited the area to verify the claims.

“There are logistical and security challenges that have delayed our officers from crossing into Ethiopia, but we remain in close communication with their authorities,” Tarus said.

He confirmed that the slain fishermen were shot in cold blood and termed the attack a blatant provocation.

The killings have sparked outrage among residents and local leaders, who are demanding immediate action from the national government.

In February, more than 30 people were killed in Todonyang in what has been described as one of the deadliest massacres in the region’s recent history, further highlighting the urgent need for lasting solutions and enhanced cross-border cooperation.

As tension remains high in the border region, residents have expressed fears of retaliatory attacks and urged the government to empower local police reservists who understand the terrain and can effectively respond to threats.

Authorities on both sides of the border say they remain committed to joint efforts aimed at restoring peace and preventing further loss of life.