The Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of a 42-year-old e-hailing driver, Yusfat Ayinde, who was brutally murdered by unknown attackers on Friday.
Confirming the tragic incident, the union’s chairman, Jaiyesinmi Azeez, revealed that Ayinde was on duty when he received a ride request through an e-hailing app. Upon reaching the designated pickup location, he was ambushed by a gang of hoodlums who fatally stabbed him and fled with his vehicle.
Union Demands Justice, Calls for Improved Security
Speaking on the matter, Azeez lamented the growing insecurity faced by e-hailing drivers in Lagos. He disclosed that Ayinde’s body was dumped along Agidingbi Road in Ikeja before it was recovered and taken to the morgue.
“Our member, Comrade Yusfat Olawale Ayinde, was a dedicated driver and admin of a professional chauffeur group in Lagos. His murder was a senseless act of violence. We have launched an investigation through our task force to track the app used for the ride request and identify the criminals,” Azeez said.
The union’s task force is now working closely with the family and law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and bring the culprits to justice. In addition, discussions are ongoing to introduce improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers, such as emergency response systems and increased surveillance in high-risk areas.
Past Cases of Uber Driver Attacks in Lagos
This incident follows a similar case reported earlier in January when the Lagos State Police Command arrested a 21-year-old US returnee, David Segun, and three others for allegedly killing an Uber driver in the Obalende area.
Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju revealed that Segun, along with Emeka Akwara (19), Samuel Ariori (21), and Lukman Ariori (19), had ordered an Uber ride from Chevron in Lekki to Obalende at midnight on January 9. Upon reaching a secluded area, they allegedly stabbed the driver multiple times in the neck before robbing him.
With rising attacks on e-hailing drivers, AUATON has vowed to push for better security and justice for victims like Ayinde, ensuring such tragic incidents do not continue unchecked.