In a troubling incident in Ethiopia's Oromia region, armed men abducted dozens of individuals traveling from Addis Ababa. Survivors allege the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) was involved, although the group has launched an investigation and refuted such claims. The frequency of such abductions has raised serious concerns about civilian safety in the region.
Abduction Crisis Escalates in Ethiopia's Oromia Region
Abduction Crisis Escalates in Ethiopia's Oromia Region
Armed men abduct dozens of bus passengers in Ethiopia, with the Oromo Liberation Army facing accusations despite denying involvement.
In a troubling turn of events, armed men have reportedly abducted dozens of bus passengers in Ethiopia's Oromia region, underscoring the ongoing security challenges in the area. The incident occurred as passengers were journeying from the capital, Addis Ababa, to Debre Markos, a town situated in the Amhara region.
Information regarding the kidnappings is still limited, but reports suggest the attack took place earlier this week in Ali Doro, not far from a previous incident last July when around 100 university students were taken by gunmen while en route to their home areas. Survivors and local authorities at that time attributed blame to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), a rebel group active in the region, although the OLA denied any involvement.
Regarding the current abduction, the OLA acknowledged receipt of information about the incident and stated it was in the process of conducting an investigation. Local media has indicated that at least one person died during the multiple bus attacks, and estimates of the number of abductions suggest it could be as high as 50.
The Ethiopian government has yet to release an official statement concerning the kidnappings, and attempts by news organizations to solicit a response have not been fruitful. Abductions of civilians, including those traveling on public transport, have become alarmingly frequent in the Oromia region, with armed groups often seeking ransom payments for the release of captives.
The OLA claims to be advocating for the self-determination of the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group. However, the federal parliament has designated it as a terrorist organization, intensifying the complexity of the conflict in a region already fraught with tension.
As these violent episodes unfold, the safety of civilians continues to be at the forefront of concerns for many in Ethiopia and beyond.
