NEWS
Lagos NURTW Organising Secretary, Toba Ajiboye Dies After Gun Attack, Union Mourns Him
The Organising Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council, Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya, has died after succumbing to injuries sustained during a gun attack by yet-to-be-identified assailants in Lagos.
Ajiboye was reportedly attacked on Sunday night while returning home from his childhood neighbourhood in Fadeyi. According to reports, the gunmen intercepted his vehicle along the Ikorodu Road corridor and opened fire, leaving the vehicle riddled with bullets in what has been described as a brazen attack.
Images and videos that later surfaced on social media showed the white vehicle with multiple bullet holes on its windscreen and several other parts, underscoring the intensity of the shooting and the violence of the assault.
Initial reports indicated that Ajiboye and other occupants of the vehicle survived the attack despite sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries. However, he was later confirmed dead while receiving treatment for the injuries he sustained.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the attackers and the motive behind the attack remained unknown. Security agencies were yet to announce any arrests or provide updates on the investigation.
The tragic development has thrown members of the transport union into mourning, with the Chairman of the NURTW in Lagos State, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of the union’s key officials.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Sego described Ajiboye as a dependable ally, trusted friend and committed union leader whose immense contributions to the organisation and its political structure would remain unforgettable.
“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.
Reflecting on their relationship, Sego said Ajiboye’s role extended far beyond official duties, describing him as one of the strongest pillars of TeamSego and SegoNation.
“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.
“His friendship, unwavering support, and selfless dedication to the union over the years will forever remain etched in my heart,“ Sego stated.
He further noted that Ajiboye’s dedication to the union and unwavering support had earned him widespread respect among members of the transport body, describing his passing as a painful loss that would be deeply felt across the organisation.
Extending his condolences, the Lagos NURTW chairman sympathised with the deceased’s family, friends and members of the union, while praying for the repose of his soul.
“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,“ he said.
Paying his final respects, Sego added, “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.“
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the attack or confirm the circumstances surrounding Ajiboye’s death as of the time of filing this report.
The killing has sparked concern among transport workers, colleagues and residents, with many calling on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible for the attack and ensure they are brought to justice.