Nigeria vs South Africa: Bolt blocks users involved in fake ride request trend

Bolt, the popular e-hailing transport company, announced on Thursday that it has blocked an undisclosed number of accounts involved in making fake ride requests and then cancelling them.

This move is in response to an ongoing digital conflict between some users of its app in Nigeria and South Africa.

In an effort to curb the issue, Bolt has also restricted intercountry ride requests, a measure aimed at reducing the impact of these fake bookings, which have left many genuine users stranded without available rides.

Bolt addressed the situation on X, stating, “Bolt is aware of the recent fake ride requests between individuals in Nigeria and South Africa. We’ve swiftly implemented measures to resolve the issue and have restricted inter-country ride requests.”

“Those responsible have been blocked from the Bolt app. We prioritise the safety and integrity of our platform and are committed to supporting our driver-partners,” the transport company stated.

The online dispute began when some South African Bolt and Uber customers started booking fake rides in Nigeria, leaving drivers stranded after cancelling the trips upon their arrival at pick-up locations.

These users even shared videos mocking the drivers, which escalated tensions.

In retaliation, several Nigerian users began engaging in similar behaviour, targeting South African drivers and causing them to waste time and lose money.

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