OLLAA has received a report that an Oromo student by the name of Abdi Tujuba was found dead on September 24th, 2021 in the student toilets at Hawassa University Main Campus. The now-deceased 21 year old student was born in the town of Dallidaakiti in the Ammayya district, Southwest Shawa Zone, and was among the top students admitted to Hawassa University in early 2020 through a government sponsorship program. His parents, Mr.Dammanaa Tujjubaa and Ms.Warqinesh Gabbisaa, described their son as a bright, obedient and remarkable student who was always top of the class throughout his primary and secondary schooling.
Cause of Death According to a Family Member Who Spoke to OLLAA
According to a family member who spoke to OLLAA, Abdi recently requested to change dormitories as a result of harassment and bullying from his fellow roommate. He was then assigned a room with 4 students from the Amhara regional state. The report received by OLLAA alleges that he was previously harassed and bullied on many occasions by roommates who were Amhara, which led him to prefer to stay with his friends on a daily basis. On the evening of September 22, 2021 , he stayed with his friends until 11 pm before leaving for his dorm.
The next morning, his friends didn’t see him in the cafeteria for breakfast as usual. They waited for lunch, however Abdi still didn’t show up. As they were suspicious, they reported the issue to the authorities, as well as Abdi’s father. That same day, September 22, his friends searched the entire campus for signs of him, but could not find him. On the morning of September 25th, 2021, Abdi’s father travelled from his rural area of Woliso to Hawassa. Around noon of that day, his dead body was found in one of the university toilets. His father was immediately informed by Abdi’s friends.
The report alleges that the investigation into Abdi’s death is underway by university authorities. According to a family member who spoke to OLLAA, they believe Abdi was killed because of his identity, “Oromuma” [Oromo]. The unknown suspects killed and hanged him in one of the university toilets. According to the same report, Abdi’s mobile phone was also stolen and his former roommate has gone missing.
Abdi Tujuba will be remembered for the passion he held for Oromo culture and way of life. OLLAA calls on the Ethiopian authorities to investigate the cruel death of Abdi with speed and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
A photo of the passionate Abdi in traditional Oromo attire.