Tension at border as militia kills three

By Osinde Obare and Lucas Ngasike

Suspected Merrile militia from Ethiopia has killed three Kenyan fishermen.

Their bodies were discovered in Lake Turkana near Todonyang on Tuesday. The gang allegedly abducted the three fishermen four days ago.

It is said the attackers chopped off their ears, noses and fingers before throwing them into the lake.

Lokitaung DC Jack Obuo confirmed the recovery of the bodies and said he had contacted Ethiopia authorities over the incident.

Gun attack

The armed militia last Friday struck Todonyang village, killed an AP and a police reservist before escaping with the rifles. The gang also killed a woman in the attack.

The woman and the officers were sprayed with bullets on their way from drawing water at River Omo.

"I have lodged an official complaint with Ethiopia over the attacks and negotiated for the recovery of the lost rifles," Obuo told The Standard.

Meanwhile, reports say hundreds of Turkana fishermen are living in fear due to insecurity.

Lwarengak civic leader Osman Elman said Todonyang residents have fled the area and sought refugee at a local Catholic.

"Fishing has stopped and people have fled the area fearing more attacks from Ethiopia," said Mr Elman.

Residents said insecurity was on the rise despite heavy presence of General Service Unit officers at the border.

Todonyang Catholic Priest Steven Ochieng’ decried the situation and urged the Government to act.