In a tragic incident on February 7, 2025, 42-year-old e-hailing driver Yusfat Ayinde was fatally stabbed by unidentified assailants in Lagos. His body was discovered along Agidingbi Road in Ikeja.
According to the Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Ayinde had accepted a ride request via an e-hailing app. Upon arrival at the pickup location, he was ambushed, stabbed, and his vehicle was stolen. Union chairman Jaiyesinmi Azeez confirmed these details and expressed deep concern over the safety of e-hailing drivers in the region.
This incident is not isolated. In January 2025, the Lagos State Police Command arrested 21-year-old U.S. returnee David Segun and two accomplices for allegedly murdering an Uber driver in the Obalende area. The suspects had reportedly ordered a ride, and upon reaching a secluded area, they robbed and fatally stabbed the driver.
In response to these tragic events, stakeholders in the transport sector have called for a robust welfare package and improved safety measures for Nigerian e-hailing drivers. Recommendations include enhanced driver screening, in-app safety features, driver training programs, and better collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
The union has initiated an investigation into Ayinde’s murder, collaborating with his family and authorities to gather evidence and identify the app through which the ride request was made. Efforts are underway to track down the assailants and bring them to justice. Discussions are also in progress to implement additional safety protocols for e-hailing drivers, including possible emergency response systems and increased surveillance in high-risk areas.
As the investigation continues, the union has pledged support to Ayinde’s family during this tragic time and remains committed to ensuring that justice is served. They also emphasize the need for preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
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