Recall Dawn Herald reported yesterday, that on Wednesday near Mabushi, Abuja, a couple lost their lives following a violent altercation involving roadside ticketing agents, locally known as touts or “agberos”.The confrontation escalated into a fatal crash that claimed four lives, including two members of the group involved.
Mike, a surviving ticketing agent in his late 20s, recounted the events from his hospital bed where he is currently receiving treatment for broken limbs. He revealed that the dispute arose when the couple’s driver was accused of refusing to purchase a mandatory daily ticket license. According to Mike, who works for the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) as a ticket collector, the tension quickly escalated when he tried to enforce the regulations by boarding the vehicle.
I live in Gwagwalada but commute to the city for work. My role is to ensure every commercial driver buys a ticket before picking up passengers. If they refuse, we sometimes have to pursue them to enforce compliance. That day, I climbed into the car to tell the driver to report to our office, but he sped off. That’s when the accident happened
The crash involved the couple’s vehicle colliding with another car parked along Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway before flipping into a bridge pillar, an event the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed. Emeka Ehekweme, the driver, and his wife perished at the scene, alongside two of the assailants. A third suspect is recovering in hospital.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said the investigation is ongoing. She said that Preliminary reports show that three men forced their way into the Highlander, causing a struggle for control that resulted in the fatal collision. She extended sympathy on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force to the families affected and promised to provide updates as the probe continues.
Aside from the tragedy, Mike shared insights into the inner dynamics of the roadside ticketing system, which he claims is controlled by union leaders who collect fines from drivers.
We give the money to the chairman, supposedly to buy permits and ID cards, but how it’s divided remains unclear. From a N7,000 fine, the office keeps N3,000 while we receive N4,000 – Mike
Drivers and commuters told Dawn Herald about similar accounts of harassment along busy routes from Mabushi to Bannex. Many lamented how even private vehicle owners face demands or risk being detained at union bases, precisely Jabi garage.
In response to growing complaints, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, acknowledged challenges in the capital’s transport sector that create openings for such illicit activities. He announced that a strategic overhaul is underway, with new bus terminals and a comprehensive plan aimed at restoring order and reducing exploitation.
Families of the victims await answers, as investigations are underway, while the government on the other hand pledges decisive action to prevent future incidents.
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