Lagos-Abuja Travelers Stranded Overnight After Ekeson Bus Breakdown on Ekiti Highway
The bus, which departed from the Jibowu motor park in Lagos at approximately 12:45 AM, experienced a tyre blowout just hours into the journey. According to eyewitness accounts, the driver immediately pulled over but discovered that there was no functional spare tyre onboard to replace the damaged one. This left the vehicle immobile and the passengers trapped in an isolated location with minimal assistance.
Compounding the crisis, the driver and other Ekeson staff failed to provide timely updates or solutions. Passengers reported that no company representative arrived with a replacement tyre or alternative transportation for nearly 12 hours. During this period, travelers were left without food, water, or clear communication about when help would arrive. Many missed critical appointments, and several elderly passengers and children endured significant discomfort due to the prolonged exposure and lack of amenities.
The situation escalated when passengers attempted to contact Ekeson’s customer service helpline (09099900911) but received no meaningful assistance. This lack of response violated the company’s stated terms of service, which承诺 "reasonable efforts" to address delays and emergencies. Frustrated and exhausted, some passengers took to social media to share their experiences, drawing public attention to the incident and demanding accountability from the transport company.
This incident is not isolated. Recent reports highlight similar issues within Nigeria’s road transport sector. For instance, MaxAir Airlines faced public outrage after stranding 100 passengers in Abuja due to a plane tyre burst and operational failures. Additionally, another Ekeson bus breakdown in Lagos earlier in July left dozens of passengers abandoned at the terminal without refunds or apologies. These recurring problems point to systemic issues in the industry, including poor maintenance practices, inadequate emergency protocols, and a widespread neglect of passenger rights.
Tyre-related accidents are a leading cause of road fatalities in Nigeria. Just days before this incident, a tyre burst on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway resulted in one death and three injuries. Investigations often reveal that such accidents are exacerbated by poorly maintained roads, overloading, and the use of substandard or worn-out tyres. The absence of spare tyres on commercial vehicles, as seen in the Ekeson case, further increases risks for travelers.
Ekeson’s terms and conditions explicitly state that the company is not liable for delays caused by "circumstances beyond its control," such as mechanical failures or road conditions. However, this clause does not absolve the company of its responsibility to ensure basic safety measures, including carrying functional spare tyres and providing prompt assistance during emergencies. Passenger advocacy groups argue that such terms often shield companies from accountability while leaving travelers vulnerable.
Following the incident, affected passengers have called on regulatory bodies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Consumer Protection Council, to investigate Ekeson’s safety practices and enforce compensation for the incurred hardships. They demand stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance standards and transparent communication during emergencies.
This ordeal underscores the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s transport sector. Companies must prioritize passenger safety by conducting regular vehicle checks, training staff on emergency response, and adhering to customer service commitments. Travelers are advised to verify the safety records of transport providers, document incidents thoroughly, and report negligence to authorities promptly. Until systemic changes are implemented, the journey between Lagos and Abuja remains a gamble for countless Nigerians.
