ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government on Saturday revealed that more than 1,700 people were rehabilitated to their livelihoods after a deadly conflict left some 26 dead on the outskirt of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.
Some 26 people have so far been confirmed dead while thousands of others have left their homes as the attack over the weekend drove residents to flee and seek refuge in schools and other public facilities, according to Ethiopian police.
According to the Addis Ababa City Administration, the 1,700 people who have already returned to their homes are the first as efforts are underway to return more displaced people to their homes, state television Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) reported.
Ethiopia's Oromia regional state had on Thursday announced the arrest of regional security officers and government officials for failing to discharge their responsibilities during the recent conflict on the outskirts of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.
Police, in the aftermath of the attack, also disclosed that some 269 individuals were under investigation in connection with the attack on civilians and damage to property.
Authorities also indicated that they have seized various armaments in areas where the deadly ethnic-based attack occurred.
Video footage showing dead bodies and looted houses and properties appeared early Sunday on social media platforms.
On Monday this week, thousands of people took to the streets in Addis Ababa to protest the killing of civilians and property damage, urging the government to take action and protect civilians.
They also called for the provision of swift support from the government to displaced people.
During the protest, five people were shot dead amid confrontations between police and angry demonstrators.
Ethiopia Federal Police Commissioner Zeynu Jemal said there were attempts to loot property under the guise of demonstrations and that some "dangerous vagrants" also tried to snatch weapons from police officers.
The latest incidents followed recent deadly clashes in Addis Ababa between local residents and youth from surrounding areas who came to celebrate the return of a rebel leader from exile.
