On Wednesday, July 3, dozens of bus passengers, predominantly Amhara students, were kidnapped by gunmen near Garba Guracha, Oromia, while traveling from Debark University to Addis Ababa. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of 700,000 birr per student. Although some managed to escape, more than 100 people are still believed to be held captive. Escaped students reported that the kidnappers, who forced them into the woods, were struggling to control the large group, and there were instances of beatings and killings among the captives.

The incident reflects a surge in kidnapping-for-ransom in Ethiopia, particularly affecting the Oromia region. Security forces are overwhelmed by multiple conflicts, contributing to rising lawlessness. The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) rebel group is suspected to be involved in these kidnappings. Similar abductions have occurred previously, including the kidnapping of over 50 passengers last year and 18 university students in late 2019, who remain missing. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reports that abductees often face torture and cruel treatment, while relatives accuse authorities of insufficient response to these incidents.

More about the Armed student kidnappings: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp38yy4p8g3o