A group of armed men has reportedly abducted around 50 passengers from a bus in Ethiopia's Oromia region, highlighting a troubling trend of kidnappings by armed groups in the area.
Armed Group Abducts Bus Passengers in Ethiopia's Oromia Region
Armed Group Abducts Bus Passengers in Ethiopia's Oromia Region
Dozens of passengers traveling from Addis Ababa were kidnapped by armed men, raising concerns about safety in the region.
The incident occurred in Ali Doro, where bus travelers en route to Debre Markos were assaulted by gunmen. This alarming occurrence follows a similar abduction incident last July, involving university students in the same region. Local authorities and survivors asserted that the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), a rebel faction in the area, was behind both kidnappings, although the OLA has denied any involvement.
In this latest incident, witnesses indicated that the assailants engaged in a firefight with local security forces during the attack. While details remain scarce, local reports suggest that the incident may have resulted in at least one fatality.
The government has not issued an official statement regarding the abductions, and attempts by the BBC to obtain a response have not been successful. Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly prevalent in Oromia, where armed groups often target civilians. The OLA, which is classified as a terrorist organization by Ethiopia's federal parliament, claims to advocate for the self-determination of the Oromo people and operates across various districts in Oromia.
As the situation unfolds, concerns about civilian safety in the region continue to grow, as residents fear further violence and instability.
In this latest incident, witnesses indicated that the assailants engaged in a firefight with local security forces during the attack. While details remain scarce, local reports suggest that the incident may have resulted in at least one fatality.
The government has not issued an official statement regarding the abductions, and attempts by the BBC to obtain a response have not been successful. Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly prevalent in Oromia, where armed groups often target civilians. The OLA, which is classified as a terrorist organization by Ethiopia's federal parliament, claims to advocate for the self-determination of the Oromo people and operates across various districts in Oromia.
As the situation unfolds, concerns about civilian safety in the region continue to grow, as residents fear further violence and instability.
