Dozens of bus passengers in Ethiopia have been kidnapped by armed personnel from Oromia, the country’s largest region, as they travel from the capital Addis Ababa.
Details are just kidnappings that appeared earlier this week.
The incident occurred in Ali Doro, near the area where about 100 college students were kidnapped when they returned home from campus in July last year.
Survivors and local authorities blame the kidnappings on the rebel group Oromo Lilesation Arme (OLA), which operates in the region. The group denied participation at the time.
Speaking about the incident this week, the OLA said it had received reports of the kidnapping and was “investigating”.
Passengers were heading to Debre Markos, a small town in the country’s Amhara area, when they were attacked by armed personnel who exchanged fire with local security forces, according to a report organized by local media.
Another report said several buses were attacked, and at least one person died during that time. According to this report, the number of kidnappers may be as high as 50.
The government has not said anything about the kidnapping, and the BBC’s attempt to get a formal response has not been successful.
The abduction of civilians, including passengers, has become increasingly common in the area. In the past, armed groups here demanded ransoms to free those they held.
Ora said it is fighting for the self-determination of Oromo, the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia.
The Federal Parliament has classified it as a terrorist organization and operates in various regions of Oromia, including those of Ali Doro.
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