Tension engulfed the Fadeyi area of Lagos on Tuesday as heavily armed security operatives took over the community following the assassination of the Organising Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council, Comrade Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya.
The deployment was aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order amid fears of possible reprisals by the deceased’s loyalists and supporters, many of whom had begun converging on the area after news of his death spread.
Residents and motorists reported a heavy presence of police officers and other security personnel around Fadeyi and adjoining sections of Ikorodu Road, as authorities moved swiftly to forestall any violence.
Ajiboye was reportedly shot by unidentified gunmen on Sunday night while returning home from his childhood neighbourhood in Fadeyi.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants intercepted his vehicle along the Ikorodu Road corridor and opened fire at close range, riddling the vehicle with bullets before fleeing the scene.
Photographs and videos circulating on social media showed a white vehicle with multiple bullet holes in its windscreen and body, although the authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.
Initial reports indicated that Ajiboye and other occupants of the vehicle survived the attack after sustaining gunshot wounds.
However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, while the identities of the gunmen have yet to be established.
The killing has sent shockwaves through Lagos’ transport sector, where Ajiboye was widely regarded as one of the state’s most influential union leaders.
His death has also renewed concerns over security and the recurring violence associated with leadership struggles and control of motor parks within the transport union.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the NURTW Lagos State Council, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, described Ajiboye as a loyal ally, trusted friend and committed union leader whose dedication to the organisation was exemplary.
In a tribute posted on his Facebook page, Adekunle said he was devastated by the loss.
“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 wrote.
Describing the deceased as a pillar of both the union and his political structure, Adekunle said Ajiboye’s years of loyalty and service would never be forgotten.
“Comrade Toba Ajiboye… was more than an ally; he was a trusted friend, a man of steadfast loyalty and unwavering commitment, and a true pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation. His friendship, unwavering support and selfless dedication to the union over the years will forever remain etched in my heart.”
He also extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and members of the union, praying that God grants him eternal rest.
The Lagos State Council is headed by Adekunle, while Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, is the National President of the NURTW.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the killing or announce any arrests.
