An atmosphere of sorrow engulfed parts of Lagos on Tuesday as family members, colleagues and supporters gathered to bid farewell to Toba Ajiboye, the late Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, who was recently killed in a gun attack.

Popularly known as Toba Ijaya, the transport union official was buried in Ketu amid emotional scenes that reflected the shock and grief surrounding his death. Videos circulating online captured mourners struggling to contain their emotions as they paid their last respects to the deceased union leader.

Ajiboye died after suffering gunshot wounds during an attack carried out by unidentified gunmen in the Fadeyi area of Lagos. According to reports, the incident happened on Sunday evening while he was leaving the neighbourhood after visiting childhood friends.

Witnesses familiar with the events leading to the shooting said the late union leader regularly visited the area because of his longstanding connection to the community. However, what was expected to be an ordinary visit turned tragic when armed men reportedly opened fire on his vehicle.

Although he was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment, hopes of his recovery were dashed when news of his death emerged shortly afterwards. Initial reports had suggested that he survived the attack alongside several others who were inside the vehicle at the time.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the commencement of an investigation into the killing. Police authorities also disclosed that efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, said, “The incident happened on Sunday, and one person died. He is a member of the transport union in Lagos. Investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the killers.”

The attack reportedly left other occupants of the vehicle with serious injuries. A member of the union revealed that at least three people who were travelling with Ajiboye sustained gunshot wounds and remained hospitalised following the incident.

According to him, medical personnel have been working to stabilise the victims as family members and colleagues continue to hope for their recovery. Images that surfaced after the attack showed the late union official’s vehicle riddled with bullets, further highlighting the violence of the incident.

The death of Ajiboye has sparked reactions across Lagos and beyond, particularly among members of the transport union, where he was regarded as an influential figure. Tributes have continued to pour in from associates who described him as a committed leader and loyal ally.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Chairman of the Lagos State NURTW, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, expressed deep sadness over the loss.

“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,” Adekunle said.

He added that the deceased played an important role within the union and remained one of the pillars of his political and organisational structure.

“Comrade Toba Ajiboye 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,” the union chairman stated.

As news of the burial spread, social media platforms were flooded with condolences and tributes from supporters and residents who remembered Ajiboye for his contributions to the transport sector and his involvement in community activities. At the same time, discussions surrounding his legacy also revived conversations about the history of violence and rivalry often associated with transport union politics in Lagos.

Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack, and no arrests have been announced as of the time of filing this report. The police investigation remains ongoing as residents and members of the transport union await answers over the circumstances that led to the killing.

For now, the burial of Toba Ajiboye has marked the end of a life that left a strong imprint on Lagos transport politics, while his death continues to raise fresh concerns about security and violence within the state.