Ethiopian raiders attack Kenyan border villages – report

April 14, 2006 (NAIROBI — Hundreds of Kenyan herders have been displaced following an attack by Ethiopian insurgents on villages near the Kenya-Ethiopia border, the Kenyan NTV reported.

The herders and their families have sought refuge in various places in fear of renewed attacks. At least 2,000 camels and 7,000 goats have been stolen by armed insurgents said to be numbering 1,000.

Eye witnesses say the raiders, believed to be from neighbouring Yabelo District in southern Ethiopia struck four days ago in at least four locations and took them across the border to Ethiopia where they held them hostage. According to the herders, the raiders surrounded them, confiscated their animals before holding them hostage.

Today, they returned home, but without their animals, which were taken away by the people they say wore jungle uniforms.

The insurgents from Ethiopia, who are raiding villages along the Kenya-Ethiopia border are said to be over a 1000 and armed.

Residents, fearing more attacks, have fled and many of them have sought shelter in Dukana and Al-Hadi primary schools.

The insurgents are being repulsed by home guards but area residents who spoke to NTV say their number is too big and the home guards have been overwhelmed.

According to the provincial administration, arrangements are under way to take relief supplies to those internally displaced, but the supplies have to be ferried from Marsabit town, which is approximately 300km from Dukana.

The attacks come only days after a peace meeting was held in Ethiopia aimed at resolving conflicts along the borders of Kenya and Ethiopia.

(ST)