The alarming trend of civilian abductions in Ethiopia has continued, with local authorities and survivors attributing a recent kidnapping incident to the Oromo Liberation Army, though the group has denied involvement.
Unfolding Crisis: Armed Abduction of Bus Passengers in Ethiopia
Unfolding Crisis: Armed Abduction of Bus Passengers in Ethiopia
Recent reports indicate a serious incident in Ethiopia's Oromia region where armed men have abducted dozens of bus passengers traveling from Addis Ababa.
Dozens of passengers on a bus in Ethiopia's largest region, Oromia, have reportedly been abducted by armed men while traveling from the capital, Addis Ababa. This incident, which took place earlier this week, is just one in a troubling pattern of kidnappings that has emerged in the area.
The abduction occurred in Ali Doro, an area previously noted for similar kidnappings, including a notable case involving around 100 university students last July. Survivors, as well as local authorities, have pointed to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) as responsible for such abductions, a claim the group has denied.
In relation to the latest incident, the OLA has acknowledged receiving reports of the kidnappings and has stated that it is "conducting an investigation." According to reports from local media, the bus passengers were en route to Debre Markos, which is located in the Amhara region, when armed assailants attacked. It has been confirmed that local security forces exchanged fire with the attackers during the abduction.
While the exact number of abductions is still undetermined, estimates suggest it could be as high as 50. Compounding the issue, there are reports indicating that several buses were attacked in the incident, resulting in at least one death. The Ethiopian government has not issued a statement regarding the kidnappings, and attempts by the BBC to obtain an official response have so far been unsuccessful.
The emergence of civilian kidnappings by armed groups, who have previously demanded ransoms for hostages, has become an increasingly concerning trend in the region. The OLA claims its mission is to advocate for the self-determination of Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, the Oromo, despite its classification as a terrorist organization by the federal parliament. The ongoing violence in the region, particularly around Ali Doro, adds urgency to calls for remedial action to protect civilians.
