Gunmen shot and killed the Organising Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council, Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya. Consequently, the union and its political allies have plunged into mourning as police launch a manhunt for the attackers.

According to reports, unidentified assailants ambushed Ajiboye on Sunday night as he returned home from his childhood neighbourhood in Fadeyi. Specifically, the attackers intercepted his vehicle along the Ikorodu Road corridor and opened fire, leaving the car riddled with bullet holes. Afterward, images and videos of the bullet-ridden white vehicle circulated widely on social media, showing extensive damage to the windscreen and body.

Initially, reports suggested that Ajiboye and other occupants of the vehicle had survived the attack despite sustaining gunshot wounds. However, medical personnel later pronounced him dead at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos Island Local Government, where rescuers had rushed him for treatment.

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Lagos NURTW organising secretary killed: Tensions Rise at the Hospital

Meanwhile, confusion broke out around St. Nicholas Hospital after Ajiboye’s death was announced. Transport workers and supporters of the slain union leader reportedly blocked police officers from accessing the facility to recover his body. As a result, Lagos Police Command deployed additional personnel to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that officers had been sent to strategic locations across the state. Furthermore, the command has since commenced an investigation and manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the killing.

Lagos NURTW organising secretary killed: Union Chairman Mourns “a True Pillar”

Following the news, Lagos NURTW Chairman Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, paid tribute to his colleague in a Facebook post on Tuesday. He described Ajiboye’s death as a painful and unexpected loss.

“The news of the sudden passing of Comrade Toba Ajiboye has left me deeply saddened and heartbroken,”

Adekunle wrote. He went on to call Ajiboye “a trusted friend” and “a true pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation,” emphasizing the depth of their working relationship.

In addition, Adekunle extended condolences to Ajiboye’s family and the broader union community, praying for strength as they process the loss. He closed his tribute with a personal farewell, promising never to forget the bond they shared.

Possible Political Motive Under Scrutiny

Meanwhile, some reports have linked the killing to political tensions rather than the cult-related violence that has occasionally plagued Lagos transport unions. According to one social media account, Ajiboye also worked as a political operative aligned with the state’s ruling party, which has fueled speculation that the attack may have been retaliatory.

As a result, the shooting has triggered unrest in Fadeyi and neighboring communities within the Somolu Local Government Area. Consequently, residents remain on edge as investigators work to determine the motive and identify suspects.

A Union Under Pressure

Ultimately, Ajiboye’s death adds to a long history of leadership disputes and violent clashes within the NURTW, one of Lagos State’s most influential transport organizations. Its members operate across motor parks and major commercial routes throughout the state, making control of the union a frequent flashpoint. Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, currently serves as the union’s National President following his election to the role.

For now, however, the immediate focus remains on finding those responsible for Ajiboye’s killing and restoring calm to the affected communities. Authorities have promised updates as the investigation progresses.