ADDIS ABABA, April 30 (Xunhua) -- Ethiopian security forces have arrested 89 suspects in connection with deadly violence in eastern Ethiopia city, local officials said on Saturday.
In a press statement, Dire Dawa city administration communication bureau said the suspects are accused of involvement in deadly violence that occured on Friday.
The statement said extremist bodies who wanted to disturb the harmony of the Christian and Muslim communites in the city instigated violence that left a four-year-old child dead and 22 security forces injured.
The statement further said there was extensive property damage in the violence that broke out after Friday Islamic prayers.
Tension has been rising across Ethiopia after deadly violence between the Christian and Muslim communities in northern Ethiopia city Gonder on Tuesday left at least 20 dead.
The violence in Gonder city was triggered by a longstanding competing ownership of land around a cemetery by members of both the Christian and Muslim communities.
Ethiopian Security forces have disclosed 373 suspects have been arrested so far in connection with the deadly violence in Gonder city. ■