#DailyScoop: 62 abductees in Kamashi, Benishangul Gumuz state escape captors and return

Sixty two people who were abducted by “anti-peace forces” from Kamashi twon,Hena Kebele and Hurungu village in Kamashi Zone of Benishangul Gumuz Regional state were retruned back to join their community, Benishangul Gumuz Communication Bureau said.

Deputy Commissioner of the Regional Police Commission, Misgana Enjifata, who led the search and rescue operation, blamed “TPLF messengers” of deceiving the public, coerce and kidnap civilians. He thanked ongoing efforts by security forces to secure the release of all abducted individuals and called for more work to be done.

The Kamashi Zone Government Communication Department on its part reported that the 62 people were brought to a center for to receive help. Deputy Commissioner Misgana urged for the remaining members of the community to come to the government peaceful and for the government to provide the necessary support.

According to UNICEF Ethiopia “security in Metekel and Kamashi zones of Benishangul-Gumuz remained tense in November with sporadic fighting reported in six woredas (Metekel zone: Guba and Mandura woreda; Kamashi zone: Sedal, Yaso, Agalometi, Belojiganfoy woredas).The insecurity has severely restricted humanitarian access and movement especially in Guba,Bullen and Wombera woredas, and Gallessa and Berber kebeles in Dibate woreda of Metekel zone. According to the Regional DRMC, a new influx of IDPs was reported in Bambasi woreda and Assosa town, with those displaced coming from West Wellega, Babo Gambel woreda. Altogether 400,000 IDPs were reported, of which 56 per cent (over 230,000) were children.” AS