Our lives now in danger

Following the spate of vicious and brutal attacks on operators of ride-hailing services in different parts of the country, VINCENT KURAUN delves into the uncertainties and perceived lack of safety for drivers who help millions of people move in comfort from one location to the other.

FOR many Nigerians, ride-hailing services have become a lifeline, offering a convenient and affordable way to navigate the bustling streets in their cities in various states. But behind the wheels unfolds a different story of vulnerability and anxiety for the drivers after men of the underworld now consider these drivers as prey in their criminal enterprises.

In a country grappling with insecurity, cab drivers are not exempted from the general challenges. In addition, they face their own peculiar situations where they constantly navigate a complex web of potential threats. From late-night rides to isolated routes, the risks are real and present a constant shadow over their daily grind.

While the car-hailing apps that connect these drivers to their clients provide some safety features like sharing ride details, trip audio recording, and emergency contacts, there are still gaps in the system that leave drivers vulnerable.

This lack of robust security features and unreliable passenger background checks by the car-hailing firms, contribute to a significant safety threat for drivers.  Stories of drivers being robbed, assaulted, or even kidnapped are all too common, leaving many living in fear.

The demanding nature of the job, which often requires drivers to navigate unfamiliar territories late at night, puts them at risk. Unpredictable routes and isolated locations also make drivers vulnerable to criminal activity.

These vulnerabilities led to the tragic death of an Uber driver, whose name was not provided by police authorities, after he was lured to a remote area of Obalende, Lagos and tragically murdered on January 9, 2025 by four individuals, who falsely claimed to be passengers in need of a ride. He had picked them up from Chevron in Lekki axis of the state.

It was reported that, once at the secluded spot, the four men savagely attacked the driver, stabbing him repeatedly in the neck. Tragically, the driver succumbed to his injuries.

The same horrible fate befell Oluwaseyi Fowler on September 12, 2024, when he was kidnapped and subsequently killed in the Ajah area of Lagos.

According to the suspects arrested by police, they murdered Fowler and stole his Toyota Camry, which they later sold to a criminal. After their confession, the suspects led the police operatives to the location of Fowler’s decomposed body and the recovered Toyota Camry.

This alarming issue of car-hailing drivers facing violence and theft is not confined to Lagos. Stories of danger emerge from across the country, painting a grim picture of the risks these drivers face.

In Abuja, the situation is particularly dire, with reports of drivers falling victim to carjackers, kidnappers, ritual killers, and armed robbers. Just a few years ago, it was reported that over 10 drivers lost their lives and their vehicles to these criminals.

in its response to the gale of attacks on car-hailing service drivers, the Online Hackney Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OHPAN) called for immediate action, urging ride-hailing apps/firms to implement rider profiling measures. They argue that while apps rigorously vet drivers, they lack similar measures for riders, allowing criminals to use fake identities and operate unchecked. This disparity, according to OHPAN, creates a dangerous vulnerability for drivers and necessitates stricter security measures.

Some cab operators who spoke with Sunday Tribune shared their experiences with men of the underworld.

Expressing grave concerns about the failure of ride-hailing apps to protect drivers from potential attacks, Mr Shishe Stephen Ikutal, stated that drivers are usually unsure of the number of passengers they intend to pick or their intentions at the point of accepting a ride.

“This uncertainty, coupled with the driver’s need to focus on the road while handling the steering wheel creates an opportunity for attackers to target them from behind,” Ikutal said.

Painting another scenario, Ikutal said when driving through a secluded area, the passenger may demand a roadside stop, creating an opportunity for the driver to be attacked or killed while the vehicle is stolen.

“When you grant their request by pulling over, you might be attacked, and everything will be taken away from you,” he said.

He further emphasised the limitations of the ride-hailing service providers (apps) in providing real-time protection, noting the lack of driver-tracking technology and the inaccessibility of the car owner if the driver isn’t the owner. This, he explained, hampers the ability to report an attack promptly and effectively.

“Drivers don’t have trackers on their bodies to notify the police or their loved ones when in danger, and the only way to reach out is through their phones which are always the first targets of these criminals because we display our phones so as to use Google Map while naviagting the way to the rider’s destination.

“So, how can you report the incident when all your valuables have been taken from you?” he queried.

Advising fellow drivers, Ikutal proposed that drivers should prioritise personal safety measures, such as carrying a separate phone specifically for emergencies, and recommended that car owners install vehicle trackers to enhance security.

He said: “The only advice I can give fellow drivers is that they should always have a small phone with them so that when they are faced with such a challenge, they can easily reach out to the police or call for help if need be.”

He also urged drivers to remain vigilant and prayerful, as the taxi companies some of them work for lack the necessary safeguards to fully protect them.

Cab drivers must be vigilant

Also speaking on the security challenges drivers encounter in the business, another driver, Restore Thompson, recounted a terrifying incident whereby a passenger he had picked up at Sangotedo around 10 pm for a trip to Ikotun Egbe started behaving suspiciously.

According to him, “When he came into my car, he saw military camouflage and he immediately asked me if I had a gun in my car, claiming the destination was dangerous. I dismissed it as a joke, but his unease grew as we proceeded, he spent the ride on the phone.

“Upon reaching the drop-off point near Governor’s Road, he claimed he had network issues when it was time to transfer the payment to me. He claimed he was calling his wife but the wife didn’t answer the phone. He then left me outside and made his way into the building.

“Suddenly, three men on a motorbike approached me with two of them wielding AK-47s.  The rider, noticing the situation, ran back into his house and abandoned me.

“The armed men demanded my phone and car keys. Luckily, I handed over my car’s remote to them and it looked similar to the key. I fled and ignored their order to lay on the ground.  Eventually, the assailants were unable to start the car with the remote and left empty-handed, leaving my vehicle behind,” he stated.

Another driver, BJ Ukadike, having reviewed the emergency options available in some car-hailing service apps, remarked: “In the first place, those safety contacts in the app are not for Nigeria. To call the police in Nigeria is not easy, talk less of using your app to contact the police. Protect yourself.”

Another driver, who craved anonymity, said though he hasn’t personally encountered any incidents, he remains vigilant and has set strict working hours to mitigate risks.

“I avoid night shifts,” he explained. “Working from 7 am to 5 pm is enough for me. I believe I can achieve my goals within those hours. I also have to be selective about where I go. For example, Badore in Ajah is a no-go area for me after dark because it gets dangerous there.”

He also highlighted a concerning trend for ride-hailing fraud where perpetrators allegedly gain unauthorised access to accounts or use stolen information to request rides.

“They often fabricate stories about a friend ordering for them, citing reasons like network issues or other excuses to justify their actions,” adding that he had designed self-protective measures “since the ride-hailing companies aren’t doing much to protect drivers; I use my wisdom. When I’m uncomfortable with a request, I share my location with a friend. If a passenger refuses to pay, I leave them with the money,” he explained.

He urged ride-hailing firms to strengthen rider verification, calling for the same rules they use for drivers to apply to riders. According to him, he believes riders should undergo thorough registration with details like pictures and home addresses, and not allow riders with “funny names that don’t exist.”

Speaking about incentives from some of the apps that set targets for drivers, Olajide Abayomi told Sunday Tribune that the pressure to maintain high ratings for lucrative bonuses often leads drivers to accept rides they might otherwise avoid.

“Some drivers who choose to meet up with the targets of the e-hailing apps are constantly under pressure to meet these demands. So even when they feel uneasy about a passenger, they often just bite the bullet and drive them,” Abayomi explained.

Another driver, who did not want his name in print, told the Sunday Tribune that he prioritises his safety over financial gain due to the risks inherent in his job.

He explained, “If I feel uncomfortable with a rider, I often drive past the drop-off point before stopping the car. And if they refuse to pay, I simply move on; I use my judgment. For any request that seems suspicious, I cancel the ride rather than put myself in danger.”

 

I don’t take unnecessary risks

Another driver, who identified himself as Solomon, emphasised the paramount importance of safety in the ride-hailing industry. To enhance rider safety, he devised a personal strategy of asking passengers specific questions before each pickup.

“Personally when a request comes into my phone, I usually ask riders this general question like, ‘can you please confirm your name and phone number?’ This helps me verify the rider’s identity.

“‘Are you riding alone, or are you with someone else? Do you have any luggage or large items to transport? Can you please confirm your pick-up location and final destination?’ This helps ensure the rider is going where they intend to go and avoids unexpected stops.

“‘Do you have any stops or detours along the way?’ This helps me plan accordingly and anticipate any delays.”

While advising other drivers, Solomon stated some important considerations. “It is always advisable to remain observant and trust your instincts. If a rider seems nervous or suspicious, it’s okay to express your concerns.

“Another thing is to avoid unnecessary interactions. Don’t engage in personal conversations beyond what is necessary for the ride. Be prepared to end the ride. If a rider makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to end the ride at a safe location,” he said.

He finally stated that safety is paramount. “You have the right to feel safe in your vehicle. If a rider makes you feel uneasy, trust your instincts and prioritise your well-being and always report any incidents or concerns to the ride-hailing company or the police.”

Unlike many developed nations, Nigeria’s burgeoning ride-hailing industry is hampered by the absence of a robust regulatory and dedicated rules, leaving a regulatory vacuum that hinders accountability for both drivers and passengers.

This lack of oversight poses significant safety concerns for drivers, who are the backbone of this growing industry.  As Nigeria embraces ride-hailing, establishing comprehensive regulations becomes paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of all stakeholders.

To addressing these concerns, ride-hailing companies need to implement stricter verification procedures for passengers, including rigorous background checks and facial recognition technology.

READ ALSO: Cab drivers, hotels record high patronage as NAFEST hits day 5