Bus drivers boycott Iyana Iba-Iyana Ipaja route over alleged extortion by task force members

BUS drivers plying the Iyana-Iba to Iyana-Ipaja road have boycotted the route, refusing to work or convey passengers to their different destinations. According to the drivers, it was a way of protesting against alleged extortion by members of the Lagos Task Force.

Drivers plying the route complained of being extorted in excess of the amount of money they make daily, and when they refuse to pay, they get harassed by the some members of the task force.

However, commercial motocycle and Keke NAPEP riders are busy having a field day, as these remain the only alternative means of transportation. When AlimoshoToday went to Isheri from Obadore, there were no buses in sight while the few buses plying the roads were empty and also adorned with leaves, which a bus driver said was in solidarity with the protest.

Bike fares from Obadore to Igando ranged from N400 to N700, Keke NAPEP from Obadore to Igando fares ranged from N100 - N150, Igando to Isheri via Keke NAPEP costs N200, Igando to Iyana Iba via keke NAPEP costs 400, Akesan/Obadore to Iyana Iba cost N300. Also, social distancing was defied as the tricycles  were all filled with three passengers at the back and one in front beside the driver.

A bus driver who simply gave his name as Alimi, lamented that the task force members are making the driving job cumbersome for them. He told AlimoshoToday: "Supposing I am working today, I would have been tired.

"The task force would have collected money over and over again.

"N50 here, N100 naira there, it is tiring. After fuel, task force, money would have finished.

"By not working, many government workers will not go to work, and by that, the government will be aware."

A man, who said he has been at the bus stop since 7:30 am, lamented that the approach by the bus drivers was not the best way to tackle the alleged extortion.

According to him: "The bus drivers kept their buses and are not carrying passengers saying they are protesting.

"They cannot choose to do this forever.

"The next time they bring their buses out, the taskforce would still ask them for money."

At the time of filing this report, people were still seen standing in their numbers at different bus stops waiting for buses.