A female commercial driver in Lagos State has been brutally assaulted and beaten by a notorious Lagos street tax collector, commonly known as an ‘Agbero’, while she was trying to prevent the theft of her car battery.
In a disturbing video obtained by newsmen , the woman could be seen crying and pleading for justice after the thug violently attacked her.
According to the victim, the assailant allegedly boarded her vehicle under a bridge near the Oriental Hotel, claiming he was headed to the Nigerian Law School.
The female driver, whose name was not immediately disclosed, recounted that she became suspicious when she saw the man through her rear-view mirror attempting to remove her car battery.
Upon confronting him, he allegedly launched a violent attack, beating her, tearing her clothes, and physically dragging her in public.
“He started beating me when I asked him where he was taking my battery,” she sobbed in the video.
“Look at my face, look at what he did to me. He tore my clothes and battered me. Please, anyone watching this video, help me. Call human rights. Is this how a woman trying to survive should be treated?”
The visibly injured driver lamented that despite paying levies and buying tickets required by transport unions, female drivers in Lagos receive little to no support from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) or the state authorities.
“This man must be brought to justice. Let him be an example. I won’t leave him until I get justice. I’m doing a daily job just to survive. Is being a female commercial driver in Lagos a crime?” she added.
She called on the Lagos State Government, the NURTW, and human rights organisations to intervene and ensure her assailant is prosecuted.
She also alleged that the attacker was part of a group known for stealing vehicle batteries and other valuables from commercial buses.
The incident reportedly occurred around the Maroko area, where the driver later took the matter to the police station.
She was seen in the video at the Maroko Police Station demanding justice and showing her injuries.
Nigerians on social media have begun reacting with outrage, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the attacker.
Many have also renewed calls for the regulation and accountability of ‘Agberos’ in Lagos, who are often accused of extortion and violence against drivers and commuters.
