Nigeria and South Africa Clash in ‘Bolt War’: Ride-Hailing Services Hit Hard
The rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa has taken a new turn as the two nations engage in a unique online battle, dubbed the “Bolt war.”
This conflict involves the popular ride-hailing service, Bolt, and has escalated to significant levels, impacting both drivers and riders across both countries.
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Origins of the Feud: A Prank Gone Too Far
The tensions began when some South Africans reportedly started ordering and canceling Bolt rides in Nigeria, aiming to frustrate drivers and cause them financial losses. What may have started as a prank has quickly spiraled into a full-fledged feud. A video circulating online allegedly shows a South African man mocking a Nigerian driver after canceling a ride, further fueling the animosity.
Screenshots of South Africans intentionally booking and canceling Bolt rides in Nigeria have also surfaced, illustrating the deliberate efforts to disrupt the lives of Nigerian drivers.
Nigerian Retaliation: An Eye for an Eye
In response, Nigerians have not taken the actions lightly. They began retaliating by placing similar ride requests in South Africa and then canceling them.
This retaliation led to a surge in demand for Bolt rides in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, creating a shortage of available rides and significantly driving up prices. As a result, many South Africans found themselves stranded, unable to secure rides due to the limited availability.
Bolt’s Response: Swift Measures to Mitigate the Impact
The ride-hailing company Bolt has found itself at the center of this unexpected conflict. In a bid to address the issue and protect the integrity of its platform, Bolt has suspended several accounts and restricted inter-country ride requests between Nigeria and South Africa.
“Bolt is aware of the recent fake ride requests between individuals in Nigeria and South Africa. We’ve swiftly implemented measures to resolve the issue, including restricting inter-country ride requests, and have blocked those responsible from the Bolt app,” the company stated.