Union organising secretary succumbs to gunshot wounds days after surviving brazen assassination attempt
In Lagos, Nigeria, on Tuesday 14 July 2026, the National Union of Road Transport Workers Lagos State Council Chairman Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, confirmed the death of the union’s Organising Secretary, Comrade Toba Ajiboye, also known as Toba Ijaya or Toba Ijaiya, following a violent assassination attempt.
Also read: Lagos NURTW organising secretary Toba Ajiboye killed in gun attack
Gunmen attacked Comrade Toba Ajiboye on Sunday night, 12 July 2026, as he returned home from his childhood area in Fadeyi along the Ikorodu Road axis.
Attackers riddled his white vehicle with bullets, leaving the windscreen and bodywork heavily damaged.
He and other occupants sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to St Nicholas Hospital.
Initial reports suggested that Comrade Toba Ajiboye had survived the ambush. However, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away at the hospital days later, plunging the union and transport communities into mourning.
Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle paid an emotional tribute to his colleague, describing him as a trusted ally and vital pillar within the team.
In a widely shared statement, the chairman expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a dedicated leader.
The incident has heightened tensions in areas such as Fadeyi, Onipanu, Jibowu, Yaba, Idi Oro, and Mushin, with concerns of possible retaliatory actions.
Heavy police presence has been noted in these hotspots, and residents have been urged to remain vigilant amid the union’s history of intense power struggles.
Comrade Toba Ajiboye was seen in vibrant form during his final public outing, distributing cash at a gathering and engaging warmly with associates, images that now serve as poignant reminders of a life cut short.
The Lagos State Police Command has commenced a manhunt for gunmen responsible for the attack.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, said an investigation has begun and security operatives are working to apprehend those responsible.
A union member, identified simply as Taofeek, disclosed that three other occupants of the vehicle also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and are receiving treatment in hospital. Their condition was described as critical.
This latest episode adds to ongoing worries about violence within Lagos transport unions, where leadership battles have too often turned deadly.
Many observers call for stronger security measures and decisive intervention to curb such cycles of retaliation.
Also read: Lagos seeks NURTW support to tackle illegal dumping
As the union mourns one of its own, the focus remains on ensuring a peaceful transition while supporting the bereaved family during this difficult period.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
