Nigerians, I am a public transport driver and a mother of two hustling to take care of my kids. My bus was faulty for 2 months, I came out this morning, NURTW thugs asked for money, I told them what happened to my bus, that i will pay them later rather they destroy led my tires.
A heartbreaking video has emerged online showing a female commercial bus driver in Lagos State tearfully recounting how she was allegedly physically assaulted by agberos (motor park touts) at the Mowe-Ibafo bus stop, after she refused to pay them illegal levies.
The video, shared by social media user @omoelerinjare on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked widespread outrage, especially as the woman—a mother of two—revealed that her only means of survival has now been compromised.
🚐 Assaulted for Saying “I’ll Pay Later”
In the video, the distressed woman, who relies on driving her bus for income, explained that she had been out of work for over two months due to engine and gear issues with her vehicle.
“I told them I will give them money when I return from my trip. But they beat me, flattened my tyre, and damaged my car. I haven’t worked in two months because of car issues. I’m a mother of two. This is my only hustle,” she sobbed.
The attack allegedly took place when the agberos demanded money upfront, and despite her promise to pay later, they assaulted her, deflated her tyres, and removed parts of her vehicle in full public view.
😡 Nigerians React: “This Is Wickedness”
Outrage poured in from across the country, as netizens condemned the violent extortion of hardworking citizens by so-called transport union officials.
Here are some of the top reactions:
@shegs2348: “Report their branch chairman, the people responsible must pay.”
@Ifeboy6: “This is one of Tinubu’s greatest criminal legacies. What a country—thugs in corridors of power.”
@kinxykel: “A woman hustling legally and men are extorting her? This is wickedness.”
@SYVOZEEK149: “In Cross River, women taxi drivers don’t even pay for tickets, let alone get harassed. Lagos is lawless.”
🔎 The Bigger Picture: Who Protects Nigerian Drivers?
This incident throws a spotlight on the long-standing issue of agbero (touts) extortion in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. Despite being technically illegal, these touts often act with impunity under the guise of union enforcement, demanding unauthorized fees from bus drivers—many of whom are barely surviving.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other affiliated groups have long been criticized for operating like criminal gangs, especially in Lagos and Ogun States, where drivers are often forced to pay multiple levies daily.
👩🔧 Women in Transport Face More Danger
Women in Nigeria’s commercial transport sector face even greater challenges—from harassment and extortion to physical abuse—often with no formal recourse or support systems. The silence and inaction of law enforcement in cases like this have left many female drivers defenseless and invisible.
✊ Call to Action
Demand Investigation: The Lagos State Government and transport unions must act to identify and penalize the perpetrators.
Protect Female Drivers: Implement policies that protect women in public transport and hold offenders accountable.
Reform NURTW & Unions: Establish strict oversight and end illegal fee collection.
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