The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the killing of Toba Ajiboye, the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), following a deadly attack along the Ikorodu Road corridor.
Ajiboye, popularly known as “Ijaya,” died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds when unidentified assailants ambushed his vehicle on Sunday evening as he was returning from Fadeyi, where he had reportedly visited friends in the neighbourhood where he grew up. Initial reports indicated that he and other occupants survived the attack and were taken to hospital, but the union official later succumbed to his injuries.
The attack has sent shockwaves through Lagos’ transport community, where Ajiboye was regarded as one of the state’s most influential union officials.
Police Intensify Investigation
Unlike initial reports that indicated authorities had yet to respond publicly, the Lagos State Police Command has now confirmed that investigations are underway.
Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said detectives have commenced a manhunt for the attackers and deployed additional security personnel to strategic locations to prevent any breakdown of law and order following the killing. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, identified suspects or announced any arrests.
The police have also appealed for calm while investigations continue.
As of Wednesday, neither the Lagos State Government nor the Federal Government had issued a formal political statement specifically addressing Ajiboye’s killing or announcing any special security measures in response to the attack.
The absence of an immediate government reaction has drawn attention because the victim occupied a senior leadership position within one of Nigeria’s largest transport unions.
Lagos NURTW Chairman Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, described Ajiboye as a loyal ally, dependable friend and committed union leader whose contributions to the organisation would not be forgotten.
In a public tribute, Adekunle said the late organising secretary had been a pillar of the Lagos council and a dedicated supporter of the union’s leadership, extending condolences to his family and members of the organisation.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers remains one of Nigeria’s most influential transport organisations, representing thousands of commercial transport operators across the country.
Will the Killing Affect Transport Operations?
While no industrial action has been announced, security analysts say the union is likely to focus first on seeking justice for the slain official.
Historically, following attacks on prominent union leaders, the NURTW has typically demanded swift police investigations, organised memorial activities and increased internal security around motor parks rather than immediately calling prolonged transport strikes.
Any disruption to commercial transportation in Lagos is therefore expected to be localised unless the union decides otherwise or investigators uncover evidence linking the attack to a broader conflict.
A Broader Security Question
The killing also renews concerns about violent crime in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Although investigators have not established the motive, the ability of armed attackers to target a prominent public figure on one of Lagos’ busiest transport corridors is likely to intensify debate over urban policing, intelligence gathering and the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies.
Security experts caution against drawing conclusions before investigations are completed. At present, there is no evidence publicly linking the attack to internal NURTW disputes, political rivalry or organised criminal groups.
Nevertheless, the incident underscores a wider national concern: high-profile targeted attacks are no longer confined to traditional conflict zones but are increasingly occurring in major urban centres, reinforcing calls for stronger intelligence-led policing and faster criminal investigations.
For transport workers and commuters alike, the immediate priority remains the same—whether authorities can quickly identify those responsible and reassure the public that one of Lagos’ most visible acts of targeted violence this year will not go unpunished.
