Residents of the southern town of Wolkite have told the BBC that at least three people were murdered by Ethiopian security forces when they opened fire on demonstrators about a water shortage.
They claimed that five further persons were hurt during the protests on Wednesday.
Residents protested in front of the city's water management office because they were upset about the town's rising water deficit.
"We have waited long to hold demonstrations. We came outside today in the hopes of finding [answers]. But now it's just blood and weapons," a resident told the BBC.
The BBC has been unable to reach district officials for comment.
