The Amalgamated Union of app-based transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has issued a plea to the Federal Government, urging them to prioritize the safety and security of its members. This comes in the wake of the recent suspected robbery and killing of four AUATON members in Port Harcourt, Rivers, and Abuja.
AUATON’s President, Adedamola Adeniran, released a statement on Friday stating that Emmanuel Daniel, Roland Asuru, Kelvin Oga, and John Okon were allegedly shot dead, and their vehicles were stolen by unidentified gunmen. The union condemns these gruesome and incessant killings across the country, specifically referring to the deaths of three members in Port Harcourt, Rivers, and one member in Galadimawa, Abuja.
“It is disheartening and unacceptable that within a span of two days, four members of the app-based transporters of Nigeria have lost their lives, along with seven vehicles, while providing essential services to the public,” Adeniran expressed.
The president of AUATON highlighted the lack of adequate security measures and intelligence, resulting in the failure to prevent such attacks by armed perpetrators. The union has been consistently appealing to the app companies to take comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of their drivers.
Furthermore, AUATON has emphasized the need for the app companies to make the National Identity Number a prerequisite for passengers before they can book a ride.
Regrettably, the app companies have shown reluctance to address these concerns, leaving members at risk of preventable tragedies without justice or compensation.
“As a registered trade union with the responsibility of safeguarding our members against avoidable circumstances like this, we call on the government to urgently direct the relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Transport, Science, and Digital Economy, to compel these app companies to capture the National Identity Number of every passenger before allowing them to order a ride,” Adeniran asserted.
The union also appeals to the government to collaborate with them in developing a regulatory framework for the app-based transport industry.
In addition to addressing the app companies, AUATON urges the Governor of Rivers State, the FCT Minister, and the police authority to expedite the investigation process to ensure that the culprits are apprehended and justice is served. They further request that the families of the deceased be adequately compensated by both the government and the app companies.
NAN
