EXCLUSIVE: Uber says 3 e-hailing drivers shot dead were not operating on its platform

In a recent turn of events, Uber has distanced itself from the tragic incidents involving three e-hailing drivers who were reportedly shot dead in Port Harcourt and Abuja recently. In response to a Technext query into the matter, the ride-hailing platform said its Incident Response Team conducted an investigation into the matter and found no evidence to confirm that these drivers operated on the Uber platform.

In an exclusive statement released to Technext by an Uber spokesperson, the platform said, “Our Incident Response Team has also investigated the matter of the three drivers and could not find any information to confirm that these drivers operated on the Uber platform.”

This development comes in the wake of a call by the President of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria, Comrade Adedamola Adeniran, for e-hailing companies like Uber and Bolt to use the National Identification Number (NIN) to verify passengers. The demand comes after the tragic murder of three e-hailing drivers reportedly registered on the Uber and Bolt platforms.

On the calls by the union to implement a NIN verification process for its drivers, the platform said the safety of drivers remains paramount, hence the implementation of various safety features in the Nigerian market to protect both drivers and passengers already.

Among the list of safety features included on its platform, it says Uber’s Rider Selfies feature is designed for new cash riders without a valid credit card on file. The selfie’s feature requires riders to take a clear selfie, ensuring it matches the information on their profile and verifies that only one person is present.

This authentication process, linked to the National Identity Number (NIN) in Nigeria, enhances security and confirms the authenticity of the phone number associated with the rider.

Additional safety features include an in-app emergency button in partnership with Sety, PIN verification for riders and drivers, audio recording, RideCheck, GPS tracking, trusted contacts, and a safety check-up. Uber is committed to enhancing safety on its platform and has dedicated teams to respond to and investigate serious safety issues.

Read also: Uber and Bolt drivers call for NIN verification of passengers after 3 drivers reportedly shot dead

What you should know

Last week, Technext reported that three e-hailing drivers registered under the Uber and Bolt platform were reportedly shot dead by gunmen in Port Harcourt and Abuja according to a letter to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.

Consequent to the killing of the drivers, the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria, through its President, Comrade Adedamola Adeniran called for the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) to verify passengers by e-hailing companies. According to it, such a move would prevent future attacks on his members.

According to the letter to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, signed by the Secretary of the Union, Comrade Ibrahim Ayoade, two of the deceased drivers, Emmanuel Daniel and Roland Asuru, along with mechanic John Okon, were shot dead in Port Harcourt. In a separate incident, the fourth driver, Kelvin Oga, was shot dead in the Galadimawa area of Abuja.

This led to the e-hailing drivers’ union expressing concern over the increasing incidents of car snatching and attacks on drivers, highlighting the dangers they face daily.

Read also: Just in: Bolt condoles with families of 3 slain drivers, pledges to support police investigation

Bolt’s Response

Ride-hailing company Bolt responded to the tragic incidents, expressing its sadness and extending sympathies to the victims’ families. The company commended the police for their swift investigation and is confident that justice will be served.

Bolt is actively engaged in supporting the ongoing police investigation and is in contact with the bereaved family. The safety of both drivers and riders remains a top priority for Bolt.

Bolt’s statement

These developments underline the critical importance of safety measures in the e-hailing industry and highlight the ongoing challenges drivers face in ensuring their security while providing transportation services.

The safety and security of both drivers and passengers are of paramount importance, and it is essential for ride-hailing companies to continually improve and enhance safety measures on their platforms to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.