Leading ride-hailing service Bolt has expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Police for their swift action in apprehending a gang responsible for the tragic murders of two drivers. This development comes as a significant relief to the thousands of drivers who use e-hailing platforms like Bolt, Uber, and inDrive in Lagos.
In a statement released earlier today, Bolt acknowledged the police’s efforts in tackling the rising violence against commercial vehicle operators. Recently, the police announced the arrest of seven individuals linked to a series of armed robberies that have targeted drivers across the city.
The alarming incidents included a case on January 9, where two suspects ordered a ride from Chevron to Obalende. Once in a secluded area, they attacked the driver, fatally stabbing him before robbing him. In another incident, a three-man gang abducted Oluwaseyi Fowler, an e-hailing driver from Ajah, killed him, and stole his Toyota Camry.
Osi Oguah, General Manager at Bolt Nigeria, praised the police for their “swift and decisive” response. He emphasized that driver safety is a top priority for Bolt and reiterated the company’s commitment to investing in measures that enhance security for both drivers and riders. “We will continue to collaborate with law enforcement and other stakeholders to create safer roads and a secure environment for mobility services,” he stated.
With approximately 10,000 drivers using the Bolt app daily in Lagos, the recent police actions have been welcomed by many who feel vulnerable on the job. To further bolster safety, Bolt has committed €100 million over three years to improve security features on its platform. This includes hiring 500 safety experts globally to monitor and enhance safety measures
In light of these recent events, Bolt has urged its drivers to utilize various safety features available on the app. These include sharing trip details with trusted contacts and using an in-app SOS button for emergencies. The company also strongly advises against accepting off-app trips to ensure that all rides are documented and insured.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olarenwaju Ishola, echoed these sentiments during the announcement of the arrests. He cautioned e-hailing drivers to be vigilant when picking up passengers and suggested they limit rides to one passenger whenever possible.
As discussions around improving safety protocols continue, there are calls for more comprehensive background checks for both drivers and riders on e-hailing platforms. While Bolt has implemented some rider verification measures, there is ongoing debate about their thoroughness.
