Video: Agberos Set Bus Ablaze, Passengers Narrowly Escape Death Over Refused Levy

Pandemonium erupted in parts of Lagos yesterday after a group of notorious agberos allegedly set a commercial bus on fire, nearly burning innocent passengers alive, all because the driver refused to give them money. According to eyewitnesses, the fully loaded commercial bus was on its usual route when it was suddenly intercepted by the agberos, who demanded their usual “levy.” The driver, said to be frustrated with the constant harassment and illegal extortion, reportedly refused to comply. What followed was an act many described as pure wickedness and lawlessness. Witnesses claimed the agberos became aggressive, shouting threats and banging on the vehicle. Within moments, one of them allegedly brought out a container suspected to contain petrol and poured it on the bus. Before anyone could fully comprehend what was happening, flames erupted, sending passengers into panic. Men, women, and even children were seen scrambling for safety, screaming and forcing their way out of the burning vehicle. Some passengers reportedly sustained minor injuries while trying to escape, while others were left traumatised by the near-death experience. “It was like a movie scene. They didn’t care that human beings were inside,” one eyewitness said. “If people had not run out quickly, many would have died.”The incident has once again exposed the growing menace of agberos across Lagos roads, where commercial drivers are routinely forced to pay illegal levies under threats, intimidation, and violence. Many drivers say they have no choice but to comply daily to avoid damage to their vehicles or harm to themselves and passengers. Residents and commuters have expressed outrage over the incident, calling on the Lagos State Government and security agencies to take decisive action against the agbero network operating openly without fear of consequences.“This has gone beyond extortion. This is attempted murder,” a commuter said angrily. As of the time of this report, authorities are yet to officially confirm arrests related to the incident, but public pressure is mounting for swift justice. For many Lagosians, this incident is yet another painful reminder that until decisive action is taken, the roads remain not just congested, but dangerously lawless.