Union demands stricter screening of e-hailing drivers, pledges support with comprehensive database at its disposal
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
E-hailing drivers in Lagos have called for stricter screening of their members after a female passenger, Pascaline Akusionwu, was stabbed and robbed by her driver in the Sangotedo area of the state. She escaped death only by a whisker.
The incident in February, which is just being reported, followed another one the same month in which an Uber driver was stabbed to death in Lagos 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.
The call for stricter screening was made by the Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) which promised to provide support for the exercise with its comprehensive database of e-hailing drivers across the state.
AUATON Lagos chapter Chairman Azeez Jaiyesimi recounted to The PUNCH that Akusionwu, who works in a mall, booked a ride on February 23 after the close of work at about 2am.
During the journey to her destination, the driver allegedly took a detour from the intended route, stopped midway and robbed her of her valuables. She was stabbed in the ear and thigh and has since been receiving treatment for the wounds.
According to the newspaper, Jaiyesimi provided a video in which the injuries were being treated by medical personnel at an undisclosed hospital.
“AUATON has taken significant steps in response to the recent robbery and stabbing incident involving Akusionwu Ogechukwu Pascaline,” Jaiyesimi said.
“The union has moved swiftly to address the matter, collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure justice and enhance safety within the app-based transport sector.
“Also, in light of the severity of the attack, AUATON has taken proactive measures to support the victim and to hold the perpetrator accountable.
“After the incident, the union immediately engaged with the Department of State Services, the police, and the Lagos State Government to escalate the matter and facilitate a thorough investigation.
“We also visited the victim personally to offer support and reassurance during this difficult time.
“AUATON has formally reported the incident to the company and urged it to take concrete steps to prevent similar occurrences through background checks on drivers before allowing them to operate on app-based platforms.”
Jaiyesimi disclosed that AUATON maintains a comprehensive database of drivers’ profiles which could be utilised to enhance safety and accountability in the App-based transport sector.
“We recommend that App companies collaborate with the union to validate driver credentials and background information as part of the registration process.
“Furthermore, the union has pledged to work closely with all stakeholders, including the government, security agencies, and App-based transport companies, to implement improved security measures and safeguard the interests of both drivers and riders.”
Read also:
Uber driver killed, his corpse dumped on Lagos road in second fatal attack within a month
