A heartbreaking video circulating on social media shows a female commercial bus driver in Lagos State tearfully describing how she was attacked by agberos (motor park touts) at the Mowe-Ibafo bus stop for refusing to pay illegal levies.
The woman, a mother of two, said she had told the touts she would pay the money later because her bus had been out of use for over two months due to engine problems. Despite this, the agberos beat her, deflated her tyres, and damaged her vehicle.
“I haven’t worked in two months because of car problems. I’m a mother of two. This bus is my only way to make a living,” she said emotionally in the video shared by social media user @omoelerinjare on X (formerly Twitter).
The attack sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, who condemned the extortion and violence by some transport union officials. Many expressed sympathy for the woman and called for government action against such abuses.
Social Media Reactions:
@LagosVoice: “This is terrible! Hardworking people being harassed for small money. Enough is enough! #ProtectOurBusDrivers”
@NaijaMama: “She’s a mother struggling to feed her kids. Those touts should be arrested and punished! #StopAgberoViolence”
@TruthNG: “This is what happens when illegal levies go unchecked. Government must step in now! #EndExtortion”
@ by Exousiang01 “This was an incident that happened in Ogun state.
They are Agberos in every state in Nigeria.
Was it Tinubu that traveled round the 36 states creating garage touts
Most of you Obidients really need to have your brains checked.
I am sure you don’t even know were mowe is, you just saw agbero and jump on Tinubus back.
Anambra state government had to create an enforcement group to deal with touts, is that also the legacy Peter left for the people of Anambra state. Insanity is not something to be proud of, go and get help”
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges commercial drivers face in Lagos, where illegal charges and violence by touts continue to disrupt lives and businesses.