From Attah Ede, Makurdi

A total of 200 out of 22,027 graduating students of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi(JOSTUM), will bag First Class at its 26th-31st combined convocation ceremony slated for Saturday, March 29.

Drivers of LagRide, a government-backed ride-hailing platform, have threatened boycott of services over threats by the platform’s operators to involve the Lagos State Task Force in arresting them over alleged misconduct.

Mr Steven Iwindoye, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), disclosed this in Ikeja on Thursday.

Report says that LagRide management accused drivers of discouraging riders from using the LagRide app and promoting alternative ride-hailing services such as InDrive and Bolt.

In a notice sent to drivers, the management alleged that some were refusing trips without valid reasons and collecting cash payments instead of processing fares through the app.

It described these actions as policy violations and sabotage.

To enforce compliance, LagRide management warned that officials from the Lagos state task force and regulators would monitor and arrest non-compliant drivers.

“Non-compliant captains (drivers) will face strict disciplinary measures, including possible arrest, impoundment of vehicles, and legal action,” the notice stated.

However, Iwindoye warned LagRide management against impounding vehicles and arresting drivers, stating that such actions would escalate tensions.

“The government’s failure to address our concerns may lead to protests and strike action, including shutting down LagRide,” he said.

Iwindoye explained that drivers resorted to offline negotiations and cash payments because LagRide disabled the cash option in the app, allegedly to force drivers to remit earnings and receive payments weekly.

He criticised this arrangement, saying in spite of multiple levies imposed by CIG Motors,” the company does not cover vehicle maintenance or repairs.”

These levies include insurance, communication, dashcam, and phone charges.

Report says that CIG Motors Co. Ltd, is a Chinese state-owned automaker of GAC Motors.

LagRide, initially a partnership between the Lagos State Government and Zenolynk Technology Ltd, the original app developer, is now controlled by CIG motors Co. Ltd.

CIG motors took over management after the Lagos government’s partnership with Zenolynk ended in March.

Following the transition, CIG Motors launched a new app after the original developer reportedly shut down the old one.

However, barely a month into its operations, LagRide faces a growing crisis as drivers continue their offline boycott, demanding app-related issues be addressed.(NAN)

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the arrest of three suspected vandals allegedly responsible for damaging power line installations in Agbogugu, Enugu State.

She said the suspects were initially detained at Agbogugu Police Station, Ozalla, before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, and later remanded in prison after their first court appearance.

“TCN officials are working closely with the police to ensure the vandals face justice.

“This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in combating vandalism.”

She urged host communities to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to security operatives or the nearest TCN office.

Mbah emphasised that vandalism undermined the nation’s efforts to maintain a reliable and efficient transmission grid.

“By working together, we can protect our communities and ensure a more robust transmission network.

“Prompt reporting of suspicious activities will greatly help in preventing such incidents and bringing perpetrators to justice,”she said.(NAN)