Addis Ababa, June 25, 2016 — Families of university students kidnapped in the Oromia region have reported that their children have been missing for over ten days. More than 100 Debarak University students were abducted while traveling from the Amhara region to Addis Ababa, with kidnappers demanding ransoms ranging between 500,000 and 1 million Birr for their release.
Conflicting Reports on Student Release
The Oromia State Government claimed that most of the kidnapped students had been released. However, families and the Evangelical Christian Students Union of Debarak University have refuted this, confirming that the students are still being held hostage. The head of the Oromia State Communications Office, Hailu Adugna, stated that “167 students have been released out of 160,” adding to the confusion and frustration among the families.
Families’ Struggles and Government Response
Families are experiencing significant difficulties in gathering the ransom money, often resorting to begging at churches and markets. Some parents reported that they paid the ransom but remain skeptical about the actual release of their children. A father, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, accused the government of spreading false information regarding the situation. He stated that the family realized the government’s claims were untrue after calling to confirm the students’ release and learning otherwise.
Current Situation and Government Efforts
The Oromia Communication Bureau attributes the kidnappings to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), labeled as a terrorist group by the government. However, the OLA denies involvement, suggesting that local forces and unemployed youth might be responsible. Families reported that students are under immense pressure, with kidnappers threatening harm if the ransom is not paid promptly. The hostages are reportedly being moved frequently, deprived of regular food and water, and forced to endure harsh conditions.
Community and Social Impacts
The ongoing situation has had a significant impact on the families of the kidnapped students. One family recounted the hardships faced in attempting to collect the ransom, with the mother resorting to selling leaves and local community efforts to gather funds. Despite these efforts, the money collected has been insufficient. A parent reported that kidnappers demanded one million Birr, and without payment, the children would not be released. The difficult circumstances have caused significant distress among the families, with some describing the mental and physical toll on their loved ones.
Government and Institutional Responses
Efforts to contact regional government officials and the Ministry of Education for further comments were unsuccessful. Families continue to appeal to state and federal institutions for more decisive action to secure the release of their loved ones. The BBC’s attempts to reach the Oromia Regional Government Communication Service and other relevant authorities have also been unsuccessful.
The situation remains dire for the families of the kidnapped students, who are caught between conflicting reports and the harsh reality of raising ransom funds. The government’s response has been criticized for being inadequate and spreading misinformation, adding to the families’ distress. As efforts continue to resolve the crisis, the affected families hope for a swift and safe return of their children.
