Armed individuals abducted up to 50 passengers from a bus in Ethiopia's Oromia region, reigniting fears of rising violence from local rebel groups. Authorities have not yet commented on the incident, while previous abductions have been linked to the Oromo Liberation Army.
Kidnapping Crisis: Armed Men Target Bus Passengers in Ethiopia
Kidnapping Crisis: Armed Men Target Bus Passengers in Ethiopia
Dozens of bus travelers were abducted in Oromia, raising concerns over increasing violence and insecurity.
Dozens of passengers traveling on a bus in Ethiopia's Oromia region have been kidnapped by armed men in a violent incident that has raised alarm over the growing security crisis in the country. The abduction occurred earlier this week as the bus was traveling from Addis Ababa, with reports indicating that the passengers were en route to Debre Markos, situated in the nearby Amhara region.
Local witnesses and media sources report that the kidnappers opened fire during the attack, engaging in a shootout with nearby security forces. While the exact number of abductees remains uncertain, estimates suggest that as many as 50 individuals could be missing, with at least one confirmed casualty. This troubling event echoes a previous mass abduction in July, where around 100 university students were taken in the same vicinity, with local authorities attributing that incident to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), a militant group active in the region.
The OLA has publicly stated it is aware of this week’s kidnappings and is reportedly conducting an internal investigation to ascertain the authenticity of the reports. Historically, the group has denied involvement in various abductions, despite patterns linking them to previous acts of violence against civilians.
While the Ethiopian government has yet to issue a formal response to the recent kidnappings, there is growing concern over the safety of travelers in the region, where such abductions have become increasingly common. Armed factions operating within Oromia often target civilian vehicles, demanding ransom for their captives. The OLA asserts that it is engaged in a struggle for the self-determination of the Oromo people, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, despite its designation as a terrorist organization by federal authorities.
As the situation develops, further reports are expected as families anxiously await news of their loved ones who may be among the abducted.
