Police Reacts As Danfo Bus Drivers Stop Services In Lagos

Drivers of commercial buses, popularly known as  Danfo, who ply the Iyana-Ipaja, Ikotun and environs in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, this morning withdrew their services while protesting the extortion they face in the hands of  Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force).

The drivers were also protesting seizure of their buses by the officials.

Commuters were left stranded and some were forced to trek, as there were very limited buses available.

Reacting to the development, a senior police officer, who spoke with newsmen at the scene, said: “The situation is under control and there is no cause for alarm.”

He further asked residents to continue their normal activities, adding that adequate security have been positioned strategically to ensure their safety.

Speaking to newsmen, one of the protesting drivers, Abel Ayoade, accused the task force of illegal operation, adding “they come as early as 5a.m. most times and impounds our buses.

He noted that the buses are then taken to their headquarters in Oshodi, adding that they collect between N50,000 and N40,000, based on negotiating power.

“So, we decided to withdraw our service today to protest the illegal activities as well as bring it to the attention of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and relevant authorities so that they could call the task force men to order.

“The harassment and extortion must stop, its getting unbearable. We have families to fend for. We are not armed robbers that is why we are doing legitimate work. Why are they after us all the time?