Addis Ababa, Ethiopia| More than 56 passengers were abducted in a violent armed attack on a public bus traveling from Addis Ababa to Debre Markos in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.
The incident occurred on March 17 in Degem district, North Shewa zone, near the town of Ali Doro.
Eyewitnesses report that armed assailants ambushed the bus, opening fire to halt the vehicle before forcibly removing passengers and leading them to an unknown location.
Some witnesses described scenes of terror as the attackers engaged in a firefight with regional security forces, while others stated that passengers were physically assaulted as they were taken away.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Attack
A passenger traveling in a separate vehicle described the attack as “horrific,” recalling intense gunfire and the bus being struck in the tires to immobilize it.
“They were severely beating the passengers as they forced them off,” he recounted.
An employee of the bus company confirmed the attack, revealing that the driver had been shot during the assault and that the driver’s assistant was among those kidnapped.
The exact number of casualties remains unclear, and authorities have yet to issue an official statement.
Rising Wave of Abductions in the Region
The attack follows a disturbing pattern of kidnappings along this route. In July 2024, over 100 university students were abducted in a similar incident, highlighting growing security concerns in the region.
The perpetrators and their motives remain uncertain, though various armed groups operate in Oromia, often clashing with government forces.
Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the latest attack, but as of now, no group has claimed responsibility.
Families of the abducted passengers await updates, fearing for the safety of their loved ones.
This latest assault underscores the escalating security crisis in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, where armed groups have increasingly targeted civilians, transportation routes, and infrastructure.
The government faces mounting pressure to address the ongoing violence and ensure the safety of travelers in the region.
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