Tragedy struck in Lagos as 42-year-old e-hailing driver Yusfat Ayinde was brutally murdered by unidentified assailants on Friday. His body was later discovered along Agindigbi Road in Ikeja, sparking concerns over the safety of ride-hailing drivers in the state.
According to Jaiyesinmi Azeez, chairman of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Ayinde was on duty when he received a ride request via an e-hailing app. Upon arriving at the designated location, he was ambushed, fatally stabbed, and his vehicle was stolen by the attackers.
The union has since launched an investigation in collaboration with Ayinde’s family and security agencies to identify the app used for the ride request and track down the culprits. Azeez also emphasized the need for improved safety measures, including emergency response systems and increased surveillance in high-risk areas.
Meanwhile, in a separate but similar incident, the Lagos State Police Command recently arrested 21-year-old US returnee David Segun and three others for allegedly robbing and murdering another Uber driver in the Obalende area on January 9. The suspects reportedly ordered a ride from Chevron, Lekki, and upon reaching a deserted area in Obalende, they allegedly stabbed the driver multiple times in the neck before making off with his car.
As investigations into these incidents continue, stakeholders are calling for stronger security protocols to protect ride-hailing drivers from violent attacks.
