Association demands justice for assaulted female commercial drivers

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The Female Commercial Drivers Association of Nigeria (FEDAN) has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate the brutal assault and harassment of one of its members near the Oriental Hotel along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos.

According to the association, the incident, which occurred on Monday, involved a female commercial driver who was allegedly attacked by a group of men simply for being behind the wheel.

FEDAN, in a statement signed by its Founder and President, Amb. Eunice Odeghe, described the attack as senseless and reflective of the ongoing threats faced by female drivers in the country.

According to her, some men have taken it upon themselves to subject female drivers to verbal and physical abuse, saying this will no longer be unacceptable.

She said the association will not stand idly while its members are subjected to such ignominy.

“The incident that occurred in Lagos is a clear example of the injustice faced by our members. A female driver was brutally beaten and harassed by a group of men who seem to think that they have the right to exercise their “muscle” over women on the wheel,” she said.

“This is a vicious cycle that must be broken, and we are calling on the relevant authorities; including the Lagos State government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to take immediate action to address this issue.

“We urge the public, particularly the licensed operators in parks and on the road, to join us in condemning this evil act. We want our women to be able to perform their duties without fear of harassment and assault. We want them to be able to enjoy their careers in the transportation industry without being subjected to such indignities.

“To the authorities, we call on you take concrete steps to ensure the safety and protection of our female members and bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice.

“We urge all transport licensed operators, both in parks and on the road, to join hands in stopping this evil act. We want our women to be able to pursue their chosen careers in transportation without fear of harassment or assault.

“Female Drivers Association of Nigeria will continue to stand by our members and fight for their rights. We will not be silenced by the tyranny of those that thinks they are above the law. We will continue to raise our voices until justice is served and our female drivers are able to operate in a safe and respectful environment.”