- Safiu Kehinde
A group of protesters has on Wednesday stormed the Ajah axis of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, obstructing traffic flow in agitation over alleged plan by the state government to ban the operation of commercial minibuses popularly known as Korope.
The protesters comprising of both male and female Korope operators left many motorists stranded as they barricaded the road with tyres, logs of wood, and tables.
This was captured in a video shared on X with one of the female drivers and mother of two recounting their ordeal.
“Everything in this Korope work is not easy. panel beater will eat, rewire will eat from this Korope work.
“They should not ban us. They should rather give us rules and regulations. I have two children and I’m a widow too.” She said.
Also reacting to the planned ban, a male minibus operator faulted the development as he disclosed how the state government allegedly demanded N8 million from them to get the state government’s branded minibus.
This was considered too expensive than Korope.
“I don’t think that is a great idea from the government. Buses they said they will give you for N8 million. How much is Korope? If a dealer want to go and buy Korope, he will give you for N5 million.” He said.
The protesters who could be seen with placards expressing their agitation also decried the alleged extortion by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other transportation agents in the state.