The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has raised the alarm over the growing insecurity faced by e-hailing drivers after one of its members, Yusfat Olawale Ayinde, was brutally murdered while on duty.
Ayinde, a 42-year-old professional chauffeur and administrator within the driver community, was attacked on Friday night after accepting a ride request through an e-hailing app.
According to AUATON chairman, Jaiyesinmi Azeez, the deceased was ambushed by a group of hoodlums at the designated pickup location, stabbed multiple times, and his vehicle stolen. His lifeless body was later discovered along Agidingbi Road in Ikeja.
The tragic incident has sparked fresh concerns about the safety of app-based transporters in Lagos.
Azeez described the attack as “barbaric and unacceptable,” calling on both law enforcement and e-hailing companies to take urgent steps to protect drivers from such violent crimes.
“The union has initiated an investigation through our task force, working closely with the family and authorities to determine which app was used to request the ride. We are committed to tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring justice is served,” he stated.
He further revealed that discussions were underway to introduce additional safety measures, such as emergency response systems and increased surveillance in high-risk areas.
This is not the first time an e-hailing driver has fallen victim to violent crime in Lagos.
Just last month, the Lagos State Police Command arrested a 21-year-old US returnee, David Segun, and three accomplices for allegedly stabbing an Uber driver to death in Obalende after ordering a ride from Lekki.
With these recurring attacks, stakeholders in the e-hailing industry are demanding stricter security measures, better monitoring of ride requests, and closer collaboration between app operators and law enforcement to prevent further loss of lives.
The union has pledged full support to Ayinde’s family and vowed to pursue justice for the slain driver.
As investigations continue, Lagosians are once again left questioning the safety of the city’s growing e-hailing transport sector.
