Uber driver killed, his corpse dumped on road; union launches investigation
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
An Uber driver was stabbed to death in Lagos at the weekend after he arrived at the location of a ride request where he was attacked and his car stolen by unidentified assailants, in a second reported murder of Uber drivers in the state within a month.
Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) Lagos chapter Chairman, Jaiyesinmi Azeez, confirmed on Monday that Yusfat Ayinde, 42, on Friday received a ride request through the Uber app but on arrival at the location was ambushed by hoodlums who stabbed him and fled with his car.
“Comrade Yusfat Olawale Ayinde is our member and the admin of a body of Professional Chauffeur in the state. He was tragically murdered in a brutal attack initiated by unidentified assailants,” Azeez told The PUNCH.
“According to our findings, Ayinde received a ride request through the e-hailing app, and upon arrival at the designated location, he was ambushed by a group of hoodlums who requested him. The assailants fatally stabbed Ayinde and subsequently stole his vehicle.”
It was learnt that Ayinde’s corpse was dumped along Agindigbi Road in the Ikeja area of Lagos from where it was conveyed to a mortuary.
Azeez expressed concern over the safety of members of the union and advocated for increased security measures for all drivers in the area, disclosing that the union has set up a task force to investigate Ayinde’s murder.
Said he: “The task force is currently working in collaboration with the family and other authorities to gather evidence and identify the app through which the ride request was made. Efforts are being made to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.
“The task force will coordinate with law enforcement to enhance investigative efforts and leverage technology in tracking the assailants.”
Azeez added that discussions are underway to implement additional safety protocols for e-hailing drivers, including emergency response systems and increased surveillance in high-risk areas.
“The union will continue to support Ayinde’s family and ensure they receive the necessary assistance during this tragic time.
“The AUATON Lagos State Task Force is committed to ensuring that justice is served and that steps are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
US returnee arrested over alleged murder of Uber driver
Lagos Police Command last month arrested a 21-year-old United States returnee, David Segun, and two others for allegedly killing an Uber driver in the Obalende area of Lagos.
Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju disclosed this while parading the suspects at the state command headquarters on January 12.
Olanrewaju narrated that Segun and his friends, Emeka Akwara (19), Samuel Ariori (21), and Lukman Ariori (19) ordered an Uber ride from Chevron in Lekki to Obalende at midnight on January 9.
He said upon arriving at a lonely area in Obalende, the suspects allegedly robbed and killed the driver by stabbing him multiple times in the neck.
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