Farming villages in Oromia region, in the country’s west, were targeted in a wave of attacks that claimed more than 300 lives.

Mr Abiy however said the recurrence of violence was not a result of negligence by the authorities.

“The government is making efforts 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of the citizens,” he told the country’s lower house of parliament on Thursday.

The prime minister was met with questions from lawmakers on why security forces have repeatedly failed to prevent attacks.

“Terror is a global problem. It must not be seen that it’s something uniquely given to Ethiopia," he said.

Mr Abiy additionally condemned unnamed "foreign enemies" and "domestic traitors" for the country’s worsening security problems.

His remarks came as pressure grows on the government, with some accusing the authorities of complicity in the attacks that officials have blamed on a rebel group.

Demonstrations triggered by the attacks have led to clashes between protesters and security forces.

It’s unlikely that Mr Abiy's remarks alone would be enough to quell festering public resentment and anger.

Meanwhile an MP from his own party created a social media buzz earlier in the week when he accused government forces in Oromia for the violence in the region.

And with no representative from the embattled Tigray in the parliament, lack of basic services and massive humanitarian crisis in the northern region once again have failed to be discussed.