Some commercial drivers operating in the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo areas of Ogun State stormed the expressway on Monday to protest multiple levies imposed on them by transport union workers, commonly known as Agberos.
Our correspondent, who monitored the protest, gathered from the drivers that they were subjected to arbitrary fees, which have caused them significant hardship.
The drivers, mainly minibus operators, lamented that the transport union fare, a cumulative sum of N4,000 per day, was increased to N6,000 on Monday.
They stressed that the rise in fuel prices and the cost of vehicle parts had compounded the challenges they faced.
Speaking with PUNCH Online, driver Moses Ademoyegun stated that the extortion from the Agberos has become unbearable, prompting their protest. He added that the current economic situation has forced his children out of school due to the decline in his income as a driver.
In his words, “What we are experiencing from the Agberos has become unbearable. Today, we woke up to the news that the ticket fee has increased. Bus stops where we used to pay N100 have now increased to N200, and those where we paid N500 have gone up to N700.
“I spend no less than N100,000 on fuel every week, and passengers are also groaning and unwilling to pay enough to cover the cost of fuel. My children are at home because I cannot afford their school fees due to the decline in what I earn daily.”
Another driver, who identified himself as Joseph, urged the state government to assist drivers by persuading the union executives to stop imposing multiple levies.
“We are facing a lot from the Agberos, who offer no benefits to the drivers. If you don’t pay them, they are ready to damage your vehicle.
“We are appealing to Governor Abiodun to intervene and put an end to this extortion,” Joseph said.
Details later…