The Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) is mourning the untimely death of 42-year-old e-hailing driver, Yusfat Olawale Ayinde. On the evening of February 7, 2025, Ayinde accepted a ride request through an e-hailing application. Upon arriving at the specified pickup location near Fela Shrine in Ikeja, he was ambushed by a group of assailants who fatally stabbed him and absconded with his vehicle. His lifeless body was later discovered along Agidingbi Road in Ikeja and subsequently transported to the morgue.
Union’s Response and Initiatives
In response to this tragic event, AUATON’s Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesinmi Azeez, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Ayinde, who was not only a committed driver but also an active administrator within the professional chauffeur community. Azeez emphasized the union’s deep concern regarding the safety of its members and announced the initiation of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ayinde’s murder. The union’s task force is collaborating closely with Ayinde’s family and relevant authorities to gather evidence, identify the e-hailing platform used for the ride request, and track down the perpetrators to ensure they are brought to justice.
Advocacy for Enhanced Safety Measures
This incident has intensified AUATON’s call for improved security protocols for e-hailing drivers operating in Lagos. Discussions are underway to implement additional safety measures, including the establishment of emergency response systems and increased surveillance in high-risk areas. The union is also advocating for comprehensive rider profiling, suggesting the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the registration process for passengers. This measure aims to enhance accountability and deter potential criminal activities.
A Pattern of Violence Against E-Hailing Drivers
The tragic death of Ayinde is not an isolated incident. There have been multiple reports of e-hailing drivers falling victim to violent crimes in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. In January 2025, the Lagos State Police Command arrested a 21-year-old U.S. returnee, David Segun, along with two accomplices, for allegedly murdering an Uber driver in the Obalende area. The suspects had ordered a ride from Chevron in Lekki to Obalende and, upon reaching a secluded area, attacked the driver, stabbing him multiple times in the neck before stealing his vehicle.
Similarly, in October 2023, the union reported the killing of three of its members in Port Harcourt and another in Abuja. These coordinated attacks involved drivers receiving ride requests, only to be ambushed, murdered, and robbed of their vehicles upon arrival at the designated locations.
Union’s Stance on App-Based Transport Platforms
AUATON has been vocal in criticizing app-based transport companies like Uber and Bolt for their perceived negligence in ensuring driver safety. The union has repeatedly called for the implementation of proper rider profiling systems, including mandatory NIN verification for passengers. They argue that the failure to adopt these measures has endangered drivers’ lives and left many families grieving the loss of their loved ones. The union has also highlighted the lack of compensation for the families of deceased drivers and has warned that it may pursue legal action if the platforms continue to neglect their responsibilities.
Calls for Government Intervention
In light of the increasing attacks on e-hailing drivers, AUATON is urging the Federal Government to direct relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy, to mandate that app-based companies incorporate NIN verification into their passenger registration processes. The union believes that such measures are crucial to enhancing security and preventing further tragedies.
Conclusion
The brutal murder of Yusfat Olawale Ayinde underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures within the e-hailing industry. It highlights the vulnerabilities that drivers face daily and the pressing need for collaborative efforts among unions, app-based companies, and government authorities to implement effective safety protocols. As investigations continue, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to ensure that justice is served and that such tragic incidents are prevented in the future.
