The Amalgamated Union of app-based transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has appealed to the federal government to protect the lives and properties of its members following a recent suspected robbery and killing of four of its members in Port Harcourt, Rivers and Abuja.

AUATON’s President, Adedamola Adeniran, in a statement on Friday, said four of the union members, Emmanuel Daniel, Roland Asuru, Kelvin Oga and John Okon, were allegedly shot dead recently, and their vehicles stolen by suspected gunmen.

“AUATON laments the gruesome and incessant killing of its members in some parts of the country, particularly the ravage killing of three members of the union in Port Harcourt, Rivers, and another member in Galadimawa, Abuja.

“It is pathetic and unacceptable that within two days, app-based transporters of Nigeria will lose four of their members and seven cars in the course of carrying out essential service to members of the public.

“This is due to the inadequate security measures and intelligence to avert the plans of these deadly gunmen,” he said.

The labour leader said that the union had been appealing to the app companies to prevent security breaches by profiling riders adequately.

He also said that the union had urged the companies to make the national identity a prerequisite for all passengers before they could board or take a rider on the app.

He alleged, however, that the companies remained adamant while members risked preventable deaths without justice and compensation.

“As a registered trade union with the responsibility to protect our members against preventable circumstances like this, we are making a call on the government to, as a matter of urgency, direct the ministry of transport, science, and digital economy or any relevant ministry to direct these app companies to capture National Identity Number of the passenger before ordering a ride.

“Also, the government should work with the union on the regulatory framework for the industry. We are also calling on the governor of Rivers state, FCT minister and the police authority to facilitate investigation and bring the killers to book, while the families of the deceased are compensated adequately by the government and app-companies,” Mr Adeniran said.

(NAN)