Ethiopia's Dealing with a Major Kidnapping Problem

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – So, Ethiopia's got this big problem with kidnappings, and it's only getting worse because of all the messy politics and security issues going on. It's a real headache for everyone, especially in places like Oromia and Amhara.

What Happened?

Okay, on July 2, 2024, something terrible went down. Three buses packed with over 160 students from Debark University were on their way to Addis Ababa for summer break when some bad guys with guns stopped them. This all happened near Garba Guracha town in Oromia, which is about 96 miles north of the big city. The kidnappers are probably part of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). They took the students to some hidden place they control.

They Want Money

Two days later, the families of the students started getting really scary calls. The kidnappers wanted a huge ransom – like 500,000 Ethiopian Birr ($6,200 or €5,700) for just one student! That's a lot of cash, and most families can't even come close to paying that.

The Government's Story vs. The Truth

A week after the kidnapping, the Oromia government said they'd saved 160 of the 167 students with some help from people living nearby. But the families weren't buying it. They were still getting calls from their kids who were still with the bad guys. One relative said, "I heard the government's announcement while I was talking to my sister, who was still with the kidnappers." It's like, come on, where are the students you say you rescued?

It's Not Just Students

This kidnapping thing isn't new. People who work in cement and sugar factories, government employees, and even farmers have been snatched too. Back in September 2023, six folks working on a power project got taken. The kidnappers wanted 10 million ETB for them! That's like asking for a fortune.

What's the Deal with the Ending?

This whole situation is really serious, and it shows how much trouble Ethiopia's in because of all the fighting and political drama. They really need to do something about it and help the families who are going through hell.

If you want more info on what's happening in Ethiopia, check out Reuters or The New York Times.

So, that's the gist of it, written in a more laid-back style. It's about how Ethiopia's dealing with a bunch of kidnappings that are happening because the country's not in a great place right now with its politics and safety. It's pretty intense, especially for those students and their families.