The Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has expressed grief over the death of 42-year-old e-hailing driver Yusfat Ayinde, who was fatally stabbed by unknown attackers on Friday.
Union chairman Jaiyesinmi Azeez confirmed the incident while speaking to Drivetvnews on Monday. He stated that Ayinde was on duty when the attack occurred.
According to Azeez, Ayinde had accepted a ride request through an e-hailing app and arrived at the designated pickup location, where he was ambushed by a group of assailants. They stabbed him multiple times and stole his vehicle before fleeing.
“Comrade Yusfat Olawale Ayinde was a dedicated member of our union and an administrator of a professional chauffeur association in the state. He was brutally attacked and killed by unknown individuals. Our investigation shows that he received a ride request, but upon arrival at the location, he was ambushed, stabbed, and his vehicle was stolen,” Azeez explained.
Reports indicate that Ayinde’s body was abandoned along Agidingbi Road in Ikeja before being taken to the morgue.
Expressing concern for the safety of e-hailing drivers, Azeez called for improved security measures to protect union members.
He also revealed that the union’s task force had launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The task force is working closely with the victim’s family and authorities to gather evidence, including identifying the app used to request the ride. Efforts are underway to track down those responsible and bring them to justice,” Azeez stated.
He further mentioned that discussions were ongoing to introduce additional safety protocols for e-hailing drivers, such as emergency response systems and increased surveillance in high-risk areas.
“The union is committed to supporting Ayinde’s family during this difficult period and ensuring that justice is served. The Lagos State Task Force will continue working to prevent similar incidents in the future. We will provide updates as the investigation progresses,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Drivetvnews reported that the Lagos State Police Command had recently arrested a 21-year-old US returnee, David Segun, along with two others, in connection with the killing of an Uber driver in Obalende.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Ishola Olanrewaju, announced the arrest while presenting the suspects at the state command headquarters on January 12.
According to Olanrewaju, Segun, along with Emeka Akwara (19), Samuel Ariori (21), and Lukman Ariori (19), booked an Uber ride from Chevron in Lekki to Obalende around midnight on January 9. Upon arriving at a secluded area, the suspects allegedly attacked the driver, stabbing him multiple times in the neck before robbing him.