At least 60 Christians have been killed in two separate attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region, the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church said in a statement on Monday.

The church said 14 worshippers were killed on 20 October in Merti district, and 46 on 24 October in Sherka district. More than 20 houses were burned, and more than 20 people are in hospital with serious injuries.

Church officials did not say how the people died or who carried out the attacks.

The Oromia regional government blamed a rebel alliance, saying it attacked to stir up religious conflict. It gave no evidence.

A source linked to the alliance blamed the regional government itself. The source cited conversations with two local residents.

The alliance was announced last month and brings together seven armed groups that want to topple Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government. It is fighting government forces in the northern region of Tigray. One of the seven groups is the Oromo Liberation Army, which did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Armed conflict has hit Oromia hard. The regional government has accused the Oromo Liberation Army of attacking Orthodox Christians before.