DHAKA: At least 50 people were killed and scores injured in stampede at a festival in Ethiopia's Oromia region after security forces fired tear gas and shots to disperse a protest.

“As a result of the chaos, lives were lost and several of the injured were taken to hospital,” the government communications office said in a statement, without giving figures.

“Those responsible will face justice,” The Jerusalem Post reports.

Merera Gudina, chairperson of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, told the media at least 50 people were killed when people fled after police fired teargas and shots in the air to disperse anti-government protesters at the crowded festival.

The government and opposition often give different accounts for casualties during protests, which have erupted sporadically for about two years in the Oromiya region near Addis Ababa.

BDST: 1902 HRS, OCT 02, 2016
NJ/RR