Shops close early after Lagos NURTW official’s killing, police deploy patrol

Fear and uncertainty gripped several neighborhoods in Lagos State on Tuesday evening following the alleged assassination of Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya, the Organizing Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State.

Reports indicate that Ajiboye was attacked by gunmen on Sunday night while returning home. His vehicle was reportedly intercepted near the Ikorodu Road axis, and assailants opened fire, riddling the car with bullets. He was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he later died.

The news of his demise triggered immediate panic in Mushin, Onipanu, Fadeyi, Jibowu, and Ojuelegba. Businesses in these areas began closing early, and streets became deserted as residents and business owners feared possible reprisal attacks by loyalists of the deceased NURTW official.

“

I was in my shop when one man came to tell me to close early. He said they’ve killed an NURTW official, Tobi Ijaya, and because of that, area boys can take the law into their hands and cause trouble.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing numerous police patrol vans stationed at strategic locations, including Ojuelegba, Jibowu, and Fadeyi, in an effort to maintain order and prevent further violence. Businesses along Kayode Street in Mushin, including a Conoil filling station, had shut down by approximately 8:20 p.m.

Commercial transport services were also affected, with fewer buses operating on routes like Ojuelegba, leaving commuters stranded. Many commercial bus drivers reportedly avoided the Mushin area altogether, citing concerns about potential law and order breakdowns. A shop owner in the area confirmed the early closures, stating that she was advised to close her shop around 7 p.m. due to the situation, noting that even vendors who typically operate late had also closed early.

“

I also noticed that people closed early, including those who usually sell till around past 11, everyone started closing around past 7. However, immediately after I heard the information, I saw police vans parading.