The recent killing of the Organizing Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, has renewed attention on a series of deadly attacks that have claimed the lives of several prominent transport union figures in Lagos over the years.
Ajiboye died after suffering gunshot injuries when unidentified gunmen attacked his vehicle in the Fadeyi area of Lagos. His death has added to a growing list of influential NURTW leaders killed in violent incidents linked to political rivalry, leadership disputes, motor park supremacy battles and gang-related clashes.
Below are some of the notable NURTW figures who lost their lives in separate attacks across Lagos over the years:
- Alhaji Saula Saka (2008): The former Lagos State Chairman of the NURTW was assassinated by gunmen at his residence in Iyana Ipaja on January 6, 2008.
- Azeez Otun (Ashake) (2014): The union leader was killed in a violent attack. Although several suspects were arrested, they were later released after prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
- Olayemi Eniola (Esi Oluwo) (2015): The transport union leader was murdered in Oshodi in an attack believed to be connected to rivalry within transport union and political circles.
- Rasaq Bello (Hamburger) (2017): Popularly known as Hamburger, he served as Lagos State Treasurer of the Tricycle Operators branch of the NURTW. He was killed during violence that broke out at the APC local government primary election in Oshodi.
- Ganiyu Ayinla (Pinero) (2018): Pinero was shot dead on Lagos Island while accompanying an NURTW branch chairman. Police later linked the killing to the build-up to transport union elections.
- Ismaila Azeez Ibrahim (Legacy) (2019): Legacy lost his life during violent clashes involving rival transport union factions in Lagos.
- Sulaimon Lawal Onaolapo (Arikuyeri) (2022): Arikuyeri, who controlled the Mile 12 motor park, was killed during a supremacy battle over control of motor parks in the area.
- Toba Ajiboye (Toba Ijaya) (2026): The Lagos NURTW Organising Secretary was attacked by gunmen while leaving the Fadeyi area. He later died from his injuries, while three other occupants of his vehicle sustained gunshot wounds. Police have launched a manhunt for those responsible.
The repeated killings of senior transport union officials over nearly two decades have continued to raise concerns about violence surrounding motor park leadership, political interests and internal power struggles in Lagos, with many of the cases still unresolved.