The E-hailing Drivers Union has raised concerns over the increasing attacks on its members, urging the government and security agencies to take immediate action to safeguard their lives and businesses.
This comes after the murder of a 42-year-old driver, Yusfat Ayinde, who was reportedly ambushed and stabbed to death by unidentified assailants in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos State. According to reports, Ayinde had responded to a ride request through his e-hailing app but was attacked upon arrival. His killers fled with his vehicle, leaving his lifeless body behind.
Speaking on the rising trend of violence against e-hailing drivers, the Lagos chapter chairman of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Azeez Jaiyesinmi, described the situation as alarming. He noted that many drivers have fallen victim to robberies, assaults, and fatal attacks while on duty.
“I must express deep concern over the rising security challenges faced by e-hailing drivers in our state. It is troubling that these drivers are becoming frequent targets for attacks, and our responsibility is to advocate for their safety and well-being,” Jaiyesinmi stated.
He explained that criminals often lure drivers to isolated locations using fake ride requests before robbing or assaulting them. In many cases, the assailants use weapons such as knives, firearms, or blunt objects to overpower their victims.
Jaiyesinmi called for urgent intervention by the authorities, including increased police patrols, stricter passenger verification processes on ride-hailing platforms, and the establishment of a special task force to investigate crimes against e-hailing drivers.
“We want the authorities to collaborate with ride-hailing platforms to implement ID verification, facial recognition, and real-time monitoring of suspicious activities. There should also be legal reforms to impose stricter penalties on criminals attacking our drivers,” he added.
The union further urged the government to provide drivers with access to safety tools such as panic buttons and dashcams to enhance their protection.
With the rise in attacks, e-hailing drivers in Lagos are demanding urgent action before more lives are lost.