Union demands tougher screening as Lagos e-hailing driver robs passenger
The Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has called for stricter profiling of e-hailing drivers after a female passenger, Pascaline Akusionwu, was stabbed by her driver in the Sangotedo area of the state.
Akusionwu who worked in a mall booked a ride on Saturday, February 23, after the close of work at about 2 am.
During the journey to her destination, the driver took a detour from the intended route, stopped midway and robbed her of her valuables.
The chairman of the union, Azeez Jaiyesimi, who spoke to our correspondent on Monday, said the victim was stabbed in the ear and on her thigh in the process adding that she had since been receiving treatment after the incident.
In a video sent to our correspondent, the injuries of the victim were being treated by medical personnel at an undisclosed hospital.
Meanwhile, Jaiyesimi said the union had since taken swift action, engaging with key authorities, including the Department of State Services, the police, and the Lagos State Government, to ensure a thorough investigation and justice for the victim.
According to him, the union had formally reported the matter to the app company, urging it to enforce stricter background checks on drivers before onboarding them.
“AUATON has taken significant steps in response to the recent robbery and stabbing incident involving Akusionwu Ogechukwu Pascaline. 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 added that AUATON maintained a comprehensive database of drivers’ profiles, which could be utilised to enhance safety and accountability within the app-based transport sector.
He further called for enhanced verification processes for drivers and passengers, stressing that proper profiling is crucial to preventing similar attacks.
“We recommended 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,” he added.
