Bus scarcity in Lagos, as ‘Danfo’ withdraw over govt agency’s extension

By Obinna Nnorom

 Following the alleged extortion of commercial bus drivers popularly known as Danfo, by officials of Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force), the drivers on Tuesday morning withdrew from the road.

The drivers who route are, Iyana-Ipaja, Ikotun and environs area of Alimosho Local Government Area of the State, where protesting over extortion and daily seizure of their buses by the said officials.

The situation led to a chaotic situation in the axis, as workers and other commuters were stranded in the early hours at various bus stops, following scarcity of buses. Many resorted to trekking.

Along the Ikotun-Egbeda road, commuters, were seen trekking long distances, many who spoke to Nation Update called on the state government to look into the commercial drivers’ complaints with a view to finding a lasting solution to the operations of the state task force.

A printer who said he lives at Abule- Odu an area closed to Egbeda and has his office at Ikotun said he took a different route to be able to get down to Ikotun.

The printer Mr Asisi Olusegun, said he supports the position of the drivers.

He said, ” the extortion of this so called taskforce is too much, it has really become unbearable, all they are interested is how to make money from the drivers on daily basis

“I see them daily harassing and intimidating the drivers demanding such amount that may be difficult for the driver yo pay, after the driver has paid such, he goes yo his house to cry while the uniformed man will laugh home.

“I think once any of them is posted inyo the taskforce, he will start building a new house.
I pity these drivers. The expend so much of their income on yo many revenue collecting agencies.”

“I also think the state government should immediately look into this shameful and corrupt practices by our law enforcement agents,” Olusegun said.

The drivers where seen displaying placards with various inscriptions as: “Lagos task force should stop harassing us”, “Enough is enough of extortion, illegal seizure of our buses”, “We are not armed robbers, we are legitimate workers,” among others.

The protesters alleged that task force officers often harassed and extorts their members, particularly along the axis.

Chairmen of Iyana-Ipaja, Egbeda and Ikotun were seen at various points ensuring the development does not degenerate into violence with law enforcement agents, who were deployed to ensure security.

Policemen from Idimu Division and Area “M” Command were seen patrolling the axis.

The officers implored residents to go about their normal business activities as adequate security has been put in place to ensure their safety.

One of the leaders of the drivers’ union Mr.Gbenga, who spoke to our correspondent said, “They take the buses to their headquarters in Oshodi and collect between N50,000 and N40,000, based on negotiating power.

“So, we decided to withdraw our service today to protest the illegal activities as well as bring it to the attention of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and relevant authorities so that they could call the task force men to order.

“The harassment and extortion must stop, its getting unbearable. We have families to fend for. We are not armed robbers that is why we are doing legitimate work. Why are they after us all the time?

“During the then administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola, they were curtailed but they started these illegal activities during the immediate past administration and have extended it into the present administration.”