LAGOS: The Lagos State Police Command has commenced a manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the killing of Toba Ajiboye, the Organising Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), following a deadly attack along Ikorodu Road.
Ajiboye, widely known as Toba Ijaya, was reportedly ambushed by armed assailants while returning home from a visit to his childhood neighbourhood in Fadeyi on Tuesday.
He sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the attack and was rushed to St. Nicholas Hospital on Lagos Island, where doctors later confirmed his death.
Following the announcement of Ajiboye’s death, tension erupted outside St. Nicholas Hospital as supporters and members of the transport union reportedly prevented police officers from taking custody of his remains.
The situation caused a brief standoff between security operatives and grieving union members before normalcy was restored.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident and said efforts are underway to identify and arrest those behind the attack.
Police spokesperson CSP Abimbola Adebisi disclosed that investigators have intensified efforts to track down the assailants, while additional security personnel have been deployed to key locations across the state to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.
According to her, the command remains committed to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.
According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen intercepted Ajiboye’s white vehicle on Ikorodu Road before opening fire at close range.
The vehicle was left riddled with bullets, with its windscreen and body bearing several gunshot holes.
Initial reports suggested that Ajiboye and other occupants survived the attack despite sustaining gunshot injuries. However, he later succumbed to his injuries while receiving emergency treatment.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the assassination.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Chairman of the Lagos State NURTW Council, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, described Ajiboye’s death as a devastating loss to the union.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Sego said he had lost not only a dependable colleague but also a loyal friend whose commitment to the union was unwavering.
“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 wrote.
He added that Ajiboye played a significant role in the activities of TeamSego and SegoNation, describing him as a pillar whose dedication and service would never be forgotten.
The killing has raised fresh concerns over violent attacks targeting transport union officials in Lagos.
Residents and stakeholders have called on security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that those responsible are apprehended without delay.
As investigations continue, the Lagos State Police Command has appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in tracking the suspects.
The death of Toba Ajiboye has sent shockwaves through Lagos’ transport sector, with colleagues, friends and associates mourning a union leader whose influence and commitment earned him widespread respect.
