The incident took place in 2005 in southern Ethiopia, where a 12-year-old girl was reportedly abducted by seven men who wanted to force her into marriage.
Forced marriage, including the abduction of girls for marriage, has been documented in parts of Ethiopia, particularly in rural communities.
According to police reports published on June 21, 2005, the girl had been held for seven days and repeatedly beaten.
When her captors were reportedly moving her, three lions appeared, chased the men away and remained near the injured girl for approximately half a day.
Police officer Sergeant Wondimu Wedajo said the animals stayed until police and relatives arrived.
The girl was found on June 9, suffering from cuts and severe shock.
Four of the seven suspected abductors were reportedly arrested. #Ethiopia
