By Kazeem Waris
Outrage has greeted the alleged assault and dehumanisation of two Nigerian truckers by Indian nationals and their Nigerian collaborators at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd, with transport stakeholders moving to sanction the company and demanding a full police investigation.
The controversy erupted following the circulation of a video on social media showing a truck driver and his motor boy allegedly being dragged from their vehicle, assaulted and handcuffed during a confrontation over the keys to their truck.
In a swift response, the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC) directed truck owners and drivers to suspend the delivery and collection of consignments to and from the company pending a full investigation into the incident.
The committee, which issued the directive in Lagos, warned that any truck owner or driver who defied the order by moving consignments to or from the company would face sanctions.
Chairman of LASTCOC, Alhaji Lukmon Shittu, said the directive was necessary as the committee responded to the allegations surrounding the treatment of the Nigerian transport workers.
The action signals an escalation of the dispute, with industry stakeholders seeking accountability over an incident that has raised concerns about the safety and dignity of truck drivers operating within Nigeria’s supply chain.
Video sparks outrage
The video circulating on social media reportedly captured a confrontation between the truckers and individuals said to be associated with Karma Agro.
In the footage, the driver allegedly refused to surrender his truck keys, triggering a scuffle during which individuals identified as company officials were seen grabbing him from behind and retrieving the keys from his pocket.
The driver and his motor boy were subsequently allegedly assaulted and handcuffed.
The circumstances leading to the confrontation reportedly involved a disagreement over demurrage compensation, although the allegations surrounding the incident require investigation by the relevant authorities.
The footage has intensified calls from transport stakeholders for the protection of Nigerian truck drivers and motor boys against violence, intimidation and degrading treatment while performing their legitimate duties.
AMATO demands justice
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has also condemned the alleged assault, identifying the affected workers as Mr. Rilwan Olajide, a truck driver, and his motor boy, Mr. Taiwo Yinusa.
The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd, located at Km 12, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, opposite the old Ratcoc Quarry.
According to AMATO, photographs and video evidence made available to the association indicated that the two transport workers were allegedly physically assaulted and intimidated by Indian nationals, with the reported involvement of company staff and security personnel.
The association described the incident as a serious violation of human dignity, insisting that no commercial disagreement could justify violence or the degrading treatment of workers.
It called on the relevant authorities to investigate the incident, establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
AMATO further maintained that disputes over demurrage payments must be resolved through lawful and peaceful means rather than force, intimidation or abuse.
Stakeholders demand accountability
The actions by LASTCOC and AMATO underscore growing concern within the transport industry over the alleged treatment of truck drivers and motor boys at cargo destinations.
Truckers play a critical role in moving raw materials, agricultural products and finished goods across the country. Stakeholders argue that their safety and welfare must be protected, particularly when disagreements arise over payments, cargo handling or other commercial obligations.
The suspension directive issued by LASTCOC is expected to put pressure on the company while the allegations are being examined. The committee has warned that non-compliance will attract sanctions, although the duration of the restriction will depend on developments surrounding the investigation.
Meanwhile, AMATO’s demand for a police probe has added to calls for an impartial investigation into the conduct of everyone allegedly involved.
The incident has also renewed attention on the need for companies, transport operators and security personnel to handle commercial disputes in accordance with the law.
As pressure mounts, transport stakeholders are demanding that the allegations be thoroughly investigated, those responsible be held accountable where wrongdoing is established, and measures be introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
