The reports sparked nationwide riots by the Qerro, leaving at least 67 people dead, including five police officers.[3][4][5] The morning after the report, Jawar's supporters congregated around his house in Addis Abeba to protest, denouncing Prime Minister Abiy and his government. After the protests spread to the Karakore neighborhood, local residents counter-protested, resulting in police intervention to separate the two camps.[6] Rioters blocked key highways, in particular roads leading to Addis Ababa. There were however scenes of kindness; residents in Welkite and Butajira provided food and shelter for those stuck on the road.[7] An eyewitness told Reuters that he had seen the bodies of at least seven people who had been "beaten to death using sticks, metal rods and machetes".[6]