The death of Comrade Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, has sparked tension across parts of Lagos, particularly Mushin, Fadeyi and Yaba, following reports of gunfire and fears of reprisal attacks.
Toba Ijaya, a prominent figure in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), died after sustaining gunshot injuries in an attack by unidentified gunmen. His death has generated widespread reactions within the transport union, prompted an ongoing police investigation, and raised fresh concerns about violence targeting influential union leaders in Lagos.
Who Was Toba Ijaya?
Toba Ajiboye, widely known as Toba Ijaya, served as the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Within the union, he was regarded as one of its influential leaders and a close ally of the Lagos NURTW Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego.
Beyond his official role, Toba Ijaya was considered a key mobiliser within the transport union and was described by colleagues as a loyal and dedicated member whose influence extended across several transport parks in Lagos. Following his death, Sego paid tribute to him, describing him as “a trusted friend, a man of steadfast loyalty and unwavering commitment, and a true pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation.”
How Toba Ijaya Died
According to multiple reports, Toba Ijaya was attacked on Sunday night, July 12, 2026, while returning home after visiting his childhood neighbourhood in Fadeyi, Lagos.
The gunmen allegedly intercepted his vehicle along the Ikorodu Road corridor before opening fire. Images and videos circulated online showed his white vehicle riddled with multiple bullet holes, indicating the intensity of the attack.
Initial reports suggested that Toba Ijaya and other occupants of the vehicle survived the ambush after sustaining gunshot wounds. He was rushed to St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos Island, where doctors battled to save his life.
Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
Tension Across Mushin After His Death
News of Toba Ijaya’s death quickly spread across Lagos, triggering panic in Mushin, Fadeyi and Yaba.
Messages circulated on social media warned residents to avoid unnecessary movement because of fears that supporters of the late union leader might stage reprisals. Many commuters reportedly altered their travel plans, while residents contacted relatives, urging them to leave work early and stay indoors.
Although rumours of widespread shootings circulated online, the Lagos State Police Command initially stated that it had no official report confirming fresh gunfire in Mushin, while assuring residents that adequate security measures had been deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Police Investigation Into The Killing
The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing and commenced a manhunt for those responsible.
Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations across the state to maintain peace while investigations continue.
Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police disclosed that some suspects had been taken into custody as detectives intensified efforts to uncover those behind the attack. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while the investigation progresses.
Reactions From NURTW Leadership
The killing drew strong condemnation from both the Lagos and national leadership of the NURTW.
Lagos State Chairman Mustapha Adekunle (Sego) described the late union official as a dependable friend whose commitment to the organisation would never be forgotten.
Similarly, National President Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) condemned the killing, describing it as a “heinous, barbaric and unacceptable” act. He called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring everyone involved in the attack to justice.
What Happens Next?
As investigations continue, security agencies have maintained an increased presence around Mushin, Fadeyi and adjoining communities to prevent possible unrest.
While no official motive has yet been established, authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying and prosecuting all those connected to the fatal shooting.
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