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Dozens of bus passengers have been abducted by armed men in Ethiopia’s largest region, Oromia, while traveling from the capital, Addis Ababa.
Details are still emerging about the kidnappings, which occurred earlier this week in Ali Doro—near an area where around 100 university students were similarly abducted last July while returning home from campus.
Rebel Group Suspected, Investigation Underway
Survivors and local officials previously blamed last year’s mass abduction on the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), a rebel group operating in the region. However, the OLA denied involvement at the time.
Regarding this week’s attack, the OLA stated that it had received reports of the abductions and was “conducting an investigation.”
According to a local media report, the passengers were en route to Debre Markos in Ethiopia’s Amhara region when their bus was ambushed by armed men who exchanged fire with local security forces. Another report suggested that multiple buses were attacked, resulting in at least one death, with the number of abductees possibly as high as 50.
Government Response Silent as Abductions Rise
The Ethiopian government has yet to comment on the latest kidnappings, and official responses remain unavailable.
Abductions of civilians—including passengers—have become increasingly common in Oromia, where armed groups have previously demanded ransoms for hostages.
The OLA, which has been designated a terrorist organization by Ethiopia’s federal parliament, claims to be fighting for the self-determination of the Oromo, the country’s largest ethnic group. It remains active in several areas of Oromia, including Ali Doro.
As security concerns grow, the latest abductions highlight the persistent instability in Ethiopia’s largest and most volatile region.
