18wMarch 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Five employees of Ethiopia’s Wonji Sugar Factory were tragically found dead on March 15th, concluding a two-week long hostage ordeal.
The factory official, who spoke anonymously to the BBC, confirmed the discovery of the workers’ remains outside the factory premises in the Khacha area.
The deceased have been identified as Bekele Tirunehi, Teshome Heramo, Yalew Temesgen, Girma Belachew, and Kamil Abdurhaman. Three were local residents of Wonji, with funerals held on March 15th. The remaining two victims originated from Adama city and Dessie town, Amhara region, where their bodies were transported.
Factory management revealed that four of the deceased were veteran tractor operators, while the fifth was an electrician employed for about a year. The group was abducted by an armed group two weeks prior in the Dodota district, East Arsi Zone of the Oromia region.
Situated near Adama city, roughly 110 kilometers from Addis Ababa, Wonji Sugar Factory is a pillar of Ethiopian industry. Established in 1954, it holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s oldest sugar production facilities, boasting a daily cane crushing capacity of 6,250 tons and an annual sugar output of 174,946 tons.
This incident casts a dark shadow on the region and underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect employees. The Wonji Sugar Factory community mourns the loss of their colleagues, and their memory will undoubtedly serve as a stark reminder of the importance of peace and stability.
