Police hunt gunmen behind killing of Lagos NURTW official

The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt for gunmen who killed the Organising Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, in a shooting attack along Ikorodu Road in Lagos.

Ajiboye reportedly died after sustaining gunshot wounds when unidentified assailants opened fire on his vehicle while he was returning home from Fadeyi, where he grew up.

Sources said the attackers intercepted his car on Ikorodu Road and shot at it repeatedly, leaving the vehicle riddled with bullet holes.

The union official was rushed to St. Nicholas Hospital on Lagos Island for treatment but was later pronounced dead by doctors.

The incident triggered tension at the hospital on Tuesday as supporters and associates of the deceased reportedly prevented security operatives from accessing the facility to retrieve his body after his death was confirmed.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.

He disclosed that security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators. The command has also deployed officers to strategic locations to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order,” the police spokesperson said.

Initial reports indicated that Ajiboye and other occupants of the vehicle survived the attack after sustaining injuries. However, later updates confirmed that the NURTW official succumbed to his wounds.

The killing has sparked grief within the transport union and among political associates of the deceased.

Lagos State NURTW Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, described Ajiboye’s death as a painful loss, paying tribute to him as a loyal associate and committed union leader.

In a statement shared on social media, Adekunle said he was devastated by the news of Ajiboye’s death, noting that the deceased played a significant role in the union and its activities.

“The news of the sudden passing of Comrade Toba Ajiboye has left me deeply saddened and heartbroken. It is difficult to come to terms with the loss of such a loyal, dependable and committed ally,” he said.

He described the late NURTW organising secretary as a trusted friend whose dedication, loyalty and support would be remembered for years to come.

“Comrade Toba Ajiboye was more than an ally; he was a trusted friend, a man of unwavering commitment and a pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation. His friendship and selfless service to the union will never be forgotten,” Adekunle added.

Police authorities said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing are ongoing.