By Joyce Ekeh
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has demanded justice for two Nigerian transport workers allegedly assaulted and dehumanised by Indian nationals at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, insisting that no individual or corporate organisation is above Nigerian law.
The alleged incident, which reportedly occurred over the weekend at the company’s premises at Km 12, opposite the old Ratcoc Quarry, involved a truck driver, Mr. Rilwan Olajide, and his motor boy, Mr. Taiwo Yinusa, following a disagreement over demands for demurrage compensation.
AMATO, which condemned the alleged assault in strong terms, said photographs and video evidence made available to the association indicated that the two transport workers were physically assaulted and intimidated, allegedly by Indian nationals, with the reported involvement of company staff and security personnel.
The association described the incident as a grave violation of human dignity, demanding an urgent, thorough and impartial police investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
In a press statement signed by its National Secretary-General, Mr. Sani Mohammed, AMATO declared that disputes over demurrage payments could never justify violence, intimidation or degrading treatment of transport workers.
“The Association unequivocally condemns all forms of racial discrimination, xenophobic hostility, intimidation and unlawful violence against Nigerian maritime truck operators. We will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or dehumanise our members and other transport workers in the course of their legitimate duties,” the statement said.
The association called on the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Alagbon, and other relevant investigative authorities to intervene immediately, preserve available evidence, identify everyone allegedly involved and ensure that justice is served.
“Consequently, AMATO calls on the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Alagbon, and the relevant investigative authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, identify all persons involved, preserve available evidence and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law,” Mohammed stated.
AMATO also urged the management of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd to cooperate fully with the investigation and take concrete measures to prevent a recurrence of the alleged incident.
Constitutional rights under threat
Citing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the association stressed that every person is entitled to respect for the dignity of their person, while torture and inhuman or degrading treatment are constitutionally prohibited.
It maintained that the constitutional guarantee applies to everyone within Nigeria, irrespective of nationality, occupation or social status, adding that Nigerian truck drivers and motor boys must be protected from assault and intimidation while carrying out their legitimate duties.
The association further expressed concern over what it described as any attempt by individuals or corporate establishments to behave as though Nigerian laws do not apply to them.
According to AMATO, foreign nationals and companies operating in the country are equally bound to respect Nigerian laws and the fundamental rights of citizens.
The group, however, clarified that its demand for justice was directed at the alleged conduct of the individuals involved and should not be construed as hostility towards Indian nationals or any other nationality.
“AMATO emphasises that this position is directed at the reported conduct of the individuals involved and not at Indian nationals or any other nationality as a whole. Our demand is for justice, accountability, equal protection under the law and respect for the dignity of every Nigerian worker,” the statement added.
Truckers deserve protection
AMATO insisted that all commercial disagreements, including disputes over demurrage compensation, must be resolved through lawful and peaceful channels rather than violence or abuse.
The association noted that maritime truck owners, drivers and motor boys play a critical role in Nigeria’s supply chains and economic activities, stressing that their contributions should not expose them to degrading treatment or threats to their safety.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and legitimate interests of its members and other transport workers, while urging the relevant authorities to ensure that the reported incident receives the serious attention it deserves.
The association maintained that accountability, respect for the rule of law and the protection of human dignity must remain non-negotiable, regardless of the nationality or corporate status of anyone involved.
As calls for a police investigation mount, the central demand from AMATO remains clear: the allegations must be thoroughly investigated, the facts established and anyone found to have broken the law held accountable.
