Ethiopia: Truck Drivers Abducted, Fuel Tankers Burned in Oromia

Addis Abeba — More than eight heavy truck drivers were reportedly abducted and several fuel-laden trucks set fire after armed groups attacked in West Wellega Zone of the Oromia Region on September 6, according to the Ethiopian Heavy Truck Drivers Association (EHTDA). According to the association, the trucks were set fired in Gimbi while traveling toward Assosa. Solomon Zewdu, General Manager of the EHTDA, told Addis Standard that the association received information about the incident from a driver who managed to escape the attack. Addis Standard was unable to independently verify the account or reach the driver again for further details. Solomon added that the association was unable to contact the driver again after he provided the initial information about the attack. The association has since been unable to establish his whereabouts or obtain further information from him. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn According to an anonymous source familiar with the incident told Addis Standard, 15 trucks was traveling together when one vehicle stopped because of a technical problem. The remaining 14 trucks continued along the route before reportedly coming under attack. The source said armed men opened fire on the trucks, subsequently setting the trucks on fire and abducting several drivers. The trucks were reportedly carrying diesel from Berbera to Assosa when they were attacked. The source further claimed that the attackers later demanded ransom for the release of the abducted drivers. Some of the trucks reportedly belonged to Belayneh Kinde, he is one of the prominent Ethiopian businessmen. Footage circulating on social media and purportedly showing the aftermath of the incident appears to show several fuel tankers engulfed in flames. "We immediately received a phone call and informed the relevant government body about the matter. They are monitoring the situation. Currently, the area is calm," Solomon said. He added that the association had not received information about the whereabouts or condition of the abducted drivers. Growing security concerns for truck drivers The latest incident comes amid continuing security concerns affecting heavy truck drivers and commercial transport operators on several major roads across Ethiopia. Solomon said drivers have faced robbery, killings, harassment, abductions and other security threats in different parts of the country. He particularly highlighted concerns in Oromia, armed groups. "Numerous drivers have lost their lives, sustained injuries, or been forcibly displaced in recent years," Solomon said, adding that the violence has also resulted in significant damage to vehicles and property. He said similar security concerns have been reported in North Gondar, where the association has previously raised alarms over robberies and attacks targeting drivers. Some incidents, he added, are not formally reported, with the association sometimes receiving information through informal channels. According to Solomon, the association communicates with the federal government regarding security threats facing truck drivers. In areas considered particularly dangerous, it requests government assistance, including security escorts and convoys accompanied by federal police. The association has more than 4,500 members, according to Solomon. Driver reportedly killed in Eastern Gojjam The latest attack comes only days after a heavy truck driver was reportedly shot dead on August 31 in an area known as Kolo Meshecha in Eastern Gojjam Zone of the Amhara Region. An anonymous source previously told Addis Standard that the incident occurred along the road between Mota and Adet, a route used by commercial vehicles transporting goods and supplies. Solomon said he had not received confirmation that the driver killed in Eastern Gojjam was a member of the association. "I didn't hear that the driver may be part of our members. If he were, I might have heard about it by now," he said. Despite t