Addis Ababa : Last Tuesday , October 17, 2023, Ethiopian scientists and supportive workers, totally eleven, of the country’s Institute of Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center were reportedly kidnapped by “unidentified” people and disappeared.
Science communication activists in Ethiopia have called the international scientific community to denounce this illegal act of attacking scientists whose responsibility is only extricating their societies out of poverty and realize development and not associated with any other responsibilities and involvements.
Director of the Institute, Dr. Dagne Mojo confirmed the report and it occurred in the Alem Tena area of the Oromia Regional State, according to Borkena news.
They were kidnapped from fieldwork related to research activity.
However, not all of them are not researchers. The Director has confirmed that support workers and a driver are among those kidnapped.
Asked if there is anything that police have discovered about their condition or if there is a pledge on the part of the police to secure their release, the director said “Nothing. Police are following up the case.”
Dr. Dagne also said that effort is still underway through the government channels and through the mediation of elders. From experiences so far mediation is usually through Abba Geda – spiritual leaders in the ethnic Oromo community.
Regarding the situation of the kidnappers, not much seems to be known except that they spoke to their family members at one point.
The director was also asked if there was a political or financial demand from the kidnappers but he did not disclose that. He said there was nothing.