The Christian Post says thousands of Islamic extremists have set fire to more than 50 churches, at least 28 homes, a Bible school and a church office building in western Ethiopia during the past week. One person has been killed and several others injured as a result of the destruction, which began Wednesday when local sources say a Christian tore up a copy of the Qu’ran. The burnings have displaced more than 4,000 Christians, spreading to areas including Asendabo, Dimtu, Busa and Koticha, among others. Local officials say police were overwhelmed by the size of the mobs. In 2006, attacks on Christians left 24 dead in western Ethiopia, and since then Christians in the area are often subject to harassment and threats, even though the Ethiopian constitution officially respects freedom of religion. Locals now fear the mob is heading toward urban areas. Damage has been estimated at over $3.5 million.
