Ethiopia Student Captives Still Detained Despite Global Outcry
The act of abduction has evolved into a thriving business venture within the Oromo Prosperity Party. This criminal activity has seen a rise in recent years, causing concern among the community and authorities alike. The perpetrators behind these kidnappings are exploiting the vulnerability of individuals for financial gain, posing a significant threat to the safety and security of the region. It is imperative for law enforcement agencies to take decisive action to combat this growing trend and protect the citizens from falling victim to such heinous crimes.
The international community is increasingly concerned about the abduction of university students by armed individuals in Gebre Guracha, a town in Ethiopia’s Oromia regional state. There is a growing demand for information regarding the well-being and whereabouts of these students. More than one hundred university students were taken captive by members of the Oromo Liberation Front last week, and they remain in captivity. There are unverified claims that the kidnappers have released students who are of Oromo ethnicity.
Despite international outcry, Ethiopian authorities continue to detain students and other civilians, particularly in the Amhara and Tigray regions. The situation has drawn criticism from global entities, including the United States, the European Union, and Canada, all of which have called for independent investigations into alleged human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings (Human Rights Watch) (Addis Standard).
Relatives of the hostages informed APA on Wednesday that they have been receiving ransom demands of up to one million birr ($17.3 thousand) for the release of each student. They expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of action in securing the release of the captives. Many individuals are now questioning whether the Oromia security forces were involved in the kidnappings.
A family member of one of the captives, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “We have been contacted by government officials, but so far, we have not seen any concrete steps taken. It seems that the only viable option is to raise funds and pay the ransom.” The federal government has not issued a statement, and it remains uncertain whether any efforts are being made to secure the students’ release.
Approximately six students were able to escape, and they have alleged that they were abducted by a militant ethnic Oromo Nationalist Group known as “Shane,” which identifies itself as the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). The abduction of civilians for ransom has contributed to heightened insecurity in the Oromia region of Ethiopia.
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