Dilemma of an Agbero by Jacob Udoka Grateful

Dilemma of an Agbero

By : Jacob Udoka Grateful



Agbero, the yoruba word for a "load carier" later metaphose into motor park tout who canvass for passengers now position themselves at strategic areas, imposing levies on bus drivers, keke(tricycle) and Okada(motorcycle) riders. It is said that, the fear of Agbero is the begining of wisdom because of their frequent clash and violence which sometimes lead to death.
They are usually under the influence of alcohol and drugs and then they become brutal to bus drivers who are hesitant to part with their money. Agberos have titles for the money they collect such as "Owo olopa", "Owo weekend", "Owo loading","Owo task force", "Owo organizing", "Owo traffic", "Owo environmental", this titles never cease to amaze me, However, this ridiculous act is only possible with the support of certain government bodies.

A trade mark of an agbero are injury marks and stitches on their faces, they boast about this marks because it reminds them of their past escapades. They are usually well informed as things are done accordingly in terms of money collections for a building project if not they would stop all activities going on.
Agbero started as area boys in the early 1980 as small band of bullies who roamed the slums, since then their number has multiplied with a steady flood of unemployed who migrate into a state such as lagos from other parts of the country.
Initially Agberos did not collect money by force, what they did was to assist drivers to load their vehicles after which they would take any amount the driver gives to them.

The need for survival, high rate of unemployment and the lack of care
mostly from the government in the absence of parents are usually the reasons for being a tout.
high population, unemployment, poor wages and poor living conditions among others are factors
influencing touting activities in urban motor parks.

 Extortion of money from passengers and
drivers, illegal collection of landing fees and vandalism are the cruel activities that are most times associated with
touts. Touts are involved in immoral acts as looting, killing, raping, acid bathing, thuggery, exhortation, property destruction and stealing. These have become more rampant among touts in the metropolis, poor state of the country in addition to lack of regulation and support by government is a major contribution to the state of an agbero.