March 11, 2026
Lagos Creator Ella Harassed by BRT Official While Filming Queues
A Lagos content creator faced physical harassment while documenting the daily struggles of commuters at a BRT bus stop.Oyindamola, known on X as
@dammiedammie35, regularly shares videos highlighting the severe shortage of BRT buses in Lagos. Many residents wake up as early as 4 or 5 AM and endure hours-long queues just to reach work or return home. Her content aims to draw attention from the Lagos state government and push for improved public transportation.
In a recent incident captured on video, a woman identified by some observers as a LAMATA staff member confronted and physically assaulted her. The aggressor grabbed and shoved Oyindamola, demanding she stop recording. Bystanders stood by without intervening, a scene that drew widespread criticism online for reflecting societal passivity toward injustice.
One bystander reportedly told her to ask her father to provide more buses, underscoring a resigned acceptance of hardship. Replies to the thread expressed frustration with both the transport crisis and the lack of collective action. Commenters described the situation as emblematic of broader issues in Nigeria, where people often endure poor services rather than demand change.
Oyindamola later posted an update revealing further intimidation. A man connected to transport officials reportedly threatened her, claiming he had been informed about her activities. She explained that the initial aggressor opposed filming because of her staff position, which fueled the confrontation.
The videos sparked significant outrage across social media. Many users called for more BRT buses to ease the burden on millions of daily commuters in Africa’s most populous city. Others praised Oyindamola’s courage while urging caution, noting the risks of challenging entrenched systems.
This episode highlights ongoing challenges in Lagos public transport, including inadequate fleet capacity, long wait times, and tensions between commuters, staff, and authorities. It also raises questions about freedom to document public issues and the safety of those who speak out for collective improvement.
