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‘We’re In Benin To Fill The Gap In Transportation’ – Online Cab Provider

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The Management of UNIVASA Nigeria Limited has said that the rising needs and communication gaps between drivers and riders in the transportation sector in Benin prompted the launching of its online cab services in the city.

Dr. Ben Adeniyi, the Chief Executive Officer of UNIVASA Nigeria Limited who disclosed this on Wednesday in Benin at the launching of the online cab services App, noted that the purpose was to close the gaps in the city’s transportation system by letting riders book cab online at the comfort of their home without stress.

He added that the company is offering a free tracking device on the online App for drivers to make their services more easier, stressing that the tracker belongs to the company and not the drivers.

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He said, unlike their competitors, UNIVASA is going to partner with all stakeholders whereby both drivers and riders are given priority, and not just riders alone as some of their competitors do.

Boluwatife (left) and John Oyakhilome addressing cab drivers at the launching of online cab in Benin

While wondering how an online taxi provider can increase its fair without proper communication with both drivers and riders, Dr. Adeniyi noted that UNIVASA has a communication unit that runs 24 hours services on the App, adding that no action would be taken on their services without proper communication and feedback.

“After interacting with several drivers and with our earlier research, we discovered a communication gap, there’s been a poor communication with drivers and riders. We, at UNIVASA want to keep a regular communication with our drivers and our riders.

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“We heard of the recent sudden hike of transportation fare, without a proper communication to all concerned. These are the lapses we have uncovered and we have come to correct here in Benin. So, we are partnering with all stakeholders to make sure we have a smooth operation and ride in Benin,” he said.

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He disclosed that before the end of the year 2021, UNIVASA is planning to launch the online cab in the 36 states of the federation including the FCT, adding that it has already garnered 175 drivers under its service in Benin.

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Also speaking, Mr John Oyakhilome, General Manager of the company said UNIVASA offers 90% earnings to all drivers while the company collects 10% of the total earnings.

A cross section of cab drivers at the launching.

He added that the online cab service provider offers bonus for drivers ranging from weekend bonus, appliances bonus, celebration bonus, smart phone bonus, insurance bonus, etc, adding that the company partners with telecommunication company in offering free data service via its Application as well.

“The healthcare insurance is not a monthly insurance but a yearly insurance. Our annual health insurance is going to be for a period. So, that means if you want to do a health insurance for your family, we will let you know the number of ride that is going to cover that amount for you in the year.

READ ALSO: GIZ Partners SEYP, Others To Empower Youths In Edo

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“We also offers free internet on UNIVASA. If you are on the App and you have Glo SIM, you don’t need to have data before you use the App. We are also looking foward to partnering with MTN and Airtel and other telecommunication providers to have a free internet App with their services.

“One beautiful thing about UNIVASA is that, when a rider book you, you don’t need to use your call card to call the rider, you can use the App to call the rider, you can likewise use the App to message the rider. All are for free on the App,” he added.

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31 Die In Niger Fuel Tanker Explosion

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At least 31 people died and several others were injured while scooping fuel from a petrol tanker conveying Premium Motor Spirit, which exploded along the Bida-Agaie highway in Niger State on Tuesday.

According to a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the accident occurred around 2:40 pm near Essa Village via Katcha.

“There was a lone tanker vehicle accident along the Bida/Agaie highway, and as a result, the tanker conveying PMS fell by the roadside,” he said.

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Abiodun added that residents rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker, at which point it was suddenly engulfed in an inferno.

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Unfortunately, members of the public living around Essa village via Katcha rushed to the scene and were scooping PMS and in the process, the tanker suddenly engulfed in inferno.

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“Forty-eight persons were affected by the fire, and among these victims, thirty-one persons lost their lives while others are still receiving treatment in various nearby hospitals.

“Three motorcycles were also burnt,” the spokesperson said.

Abiodun said officers and other security agencies were deployed to the scene for rescue operations.

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He said further investigations are ongoing to identify the driver and owner of the tanker involved.

“Teams of policemen and other security agencies were moved to the scene for a rescue operation. Further investigation is ongoing to identify the driver and the owner of the said tanker,” Abiodun concluded.

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Meanwhile, Federal Road Safety Corps told the News Agency of Nigeria that 35 persons are feared dead, while 46 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the explosion.

The Niger FRSC Sector Commander, Aishatu Sa’adu said the injured victims were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, with the support of FRSC personnel, villagers, and some good Samaritans.

READ ALSO:Senate Replaces Natasha As Committee Chairman

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She also warned members of the public against scooping fuel from accident scenes, describing it as a dangerous act that had claimed many lives in the past.

“It is God that gives wealth. People should avoid greed and be content with what God has given them,” she added.

An eyewitness told NAN that the accident occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Essan/Badeggi communities along the Bida–Agaie road in Katcha Local Government Area.

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Teenager Arrested For Allegedly Removing Sister’s Eyes For Money Ritual

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The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 17-year-old boy, Auwalu Muhammad, for allegedly gouging out his sister’s eyes for a money ritual in Wailo, Ganjuwa Local Council of Bauchi State.

Police said the incident occurred on October 17, 2025, when Auwalu lured his sister, Rukayya Muhammad, into a bush and attacked her, removing both of her eyes in what he described as an attempt to acquire wealth.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, said the victim’s father reported the matter to the police after discovering the brutal act. He added that a medical specialist confirmed that Rukayya had lost her sight permanently.

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“During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime. Investigation is ongoing to uncover the motive behind the act and to bring all individuals connected to justice,” Wakil said.

The police also arrested six others in connection with the incident. They were identified as Auwal Dahiru (17), Mohammed Rabiu (19), Saleh Ibrahim (20), Nasiru Muhammad, Hassan Garba, and Garba Dahiru (43), all residents of Ganjuwa Local Council.

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Bauchi: Auto Crash Claimed 432, Injured 2,070 Persons In 1 Months — FRSC

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says no fewer than 432 persons had been killed while 2,070 persons were injured in auto crashes within one month across the country.

Shehu Mohammed, the Corps Marshal of FRSC stated this in Bauchi on Monday in a news conference to flag off the 2025 Ember Months public enlightenment and sensitisation campa on road safety.

According to him, the figure was as a result of 533 reported cases of auto crashes that took place between January 15, 2024 and January 15, 2025 in the country.

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Represented by Corps Commander Apaji Boyi, the Sector Commander, FRSC, Bauchi, Mohammed said that some of the major causes of those crashes were driver fatigue, overloading of persons, conveyance of persons in haulage vehicles and traveling with fuel in plastic containers.

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While emphasising that driver behaviour was a fundamental element in determining safety on highways, said some road traffic infringements by drivers responsible for the previous road crash records included speed limit violations.

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“These infringements also include failure to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations, speed limit violations, driving under influence of alcohol and drugs, seat belt violations as well as using of phones while driving among others.

“Therefore, the choice of the 2025 end-of-year campaign with the theme ‘Taking Responsibility for Your Safety’ was deliberate and well thought out.

“It was carefully chosen to address road traffic infringements by drivers which were largely responsible for the previous road crash records.

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“In line with our commitment to achieve the desired outcome of the 2025 end of year campaign, FRSC has deployed personnel and Special Marshals across major highways and crash-prone corridors nationwide,” he said.

The Corps Marshal added that the corps would also be embarking on free-vehicle check exercise to improve vehicle road worthiness, conducting motor park rallies and motorcar carnivals nationwide to raise awareness level of motorists and the general public.

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Mohammed, who said that the Federal government’s support had been responsible for the modest achievement of the FRSC over the years, appreciated the government for its advisory oversight.

He called on all and sundry to continue to support the Corps as it strives to create a safer motoring environment for the nation.

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