The Organising Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council, Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya, has died after sustaining gunshot wounds during an attack by unidentified gunmen in Lagos State.
Ajiboye was reportedly attacked on Sunday night while returning home from his childhood neighbourhood in Fadeyi. The incident occurred along the busy Ikorodu Road corridor, where armed assailants allegedly intercepted his vehicle and opened fire in what witnesses described as a coordinated attack.
According to reports, the gunmen riddled the vehicle with bullets before fleeing the scene. Images and video clips that later surfaced on social media showed the white vehicle extensively damaged, with multiple bullet holes visible on the windscreen, doors, and other sections of the car, highlighting the intensity of the assault.
Initial accounts suggested that Ajiboye and other occupants of the vehicle survived the attack after suffering varying degrees of gunshot injuries and were rushed to a medical facility for treatment. However, subsequent reports confirmed that the NURTW official later succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the attack, throwing the transport union and political associates into mourning.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the identities of the attackers have yet to be established. Security agencies have not officially disclosed whether the incident was politically motivated, linked to criminal activities, or connected to any internal disputes.
Ajiboye’s death has sent shockwaves through the Lagos transport community, where he was widely regarded as an influential union leader and a key figure within the state’s NURTW structure.
Reacting to the tragic development, the Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, expressed profound grief over the loss of one of his closest associates.
In an emotional tribute shared on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Sego described the late Organising Secretary as a loyal confidant, dependable ally, and committed leader whose dedication to the union would be difficult to replace.
“The news of the sudden passing of Comrade Toba Ajiboye has left me deeply saddened and heartbroken,” Sego wrote.
“It is difficult to come to terms with the loss of such a loyal, dependable, and committed ally. His passing is a painful blow, not only to me personally but also to the entire NURTW family.”
According to the Lagos NURTW chairman, Ajiboye played an indispensable role in the growth and stability of the union over the years and remained steadfast in supporting its programmes and leadership.
He described the deceased as much more than a political associate, saying he had become a trusted friend whose unwavering loyalty earned him the respect of colleagues and supporters alike.
“Comrade Toba Ajiboye, the Organising Secretary of the NURTW Lagos State Council, 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,” he stated.
Sego further praised Ajiboye’s dedication to service, noting that his contributions to the transport union and the wider political structure would continue to be remembered long after his death.
“His friendship, unwavering support, and selfless dedication to the union over the years will forever remain etched in my heart,” he added.
The union leader extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, colleagues, and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, praying that God would grant the deceased eternal rest.
“My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and the entire NURTW family. May Almighty God forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and give us all the strength and fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss,” Sego said.
In a final farewell, he reflected on the bond they shared over the years, describing Ajiboye as a man whose loyalty and friendship would never be forgotten.
“Farewell, my dear friend. Your loyalty, friendship, and unwavering support will forever remain in my heart. You will be deeply missed, and I will never forget the bond we shared.”
Ajiboye’s death has sparked widespread reactions among members of the transport union, political associates, and residents, many of whom have expressed concern over the growing incidence of violent attacks in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
The attack also raises fresh questions about public safety, particularly for prominent figures who continue to face security threats despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not announced any arrests in connection with the killing. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including possible motives, eyewitness accounts, and available surveillance footage from the area where the shooting occurred.
The incident has renewed calls for intensified policing and stronger security measures to tackle armed violence across the state. Residents and stakeholders have urged the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the attack are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, members of the NURTW have continued to mourn the loss of one of their senior officials, remembering Ajiboye as a committed administrator who devoted years of service to the union and contributed significantly to its activities in Lagos State.
His death marks another tragic chapter for the transport union, as colleagues, friends, and supporters await further details from security agencies regarding the investigation into the fatal attack.
