The killing of the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, has once again brought attention to the recurring wave of violence that has claimed the lives of several influential transport union figures in Lagos over the years.

Ajiboye died after succumbing to gunshot wounds sustained when unidentified gunmen attacked his vehicle in the Fadeyi area of Lagos on Sunday. His burial on Tuesday drew family members, political associates, transport workers and sympathisers.

His death adds to a growing list of high-profile killings involving leaders and members of the transport union, many of which have been linked to political rivalries, leadership struggles, motor park control battles and gang-related violence.

Below are some of the most notable cases recorded over the years:

One of the earliest high-profile killings occurred on January 6, 2008, when the then Lagos State Chairman of the NURTW, Alhaji Saula Saka, was assassinated by gunmen at his residence in Iyana Ipaja.

According to reports, four armed men shot him multiple times before fleeing. Human rights organisations called for an independent investigation and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

On September 20, 2014, Azeez Otun, popularly known as Ashake, was killed following violent clashes after a Peoples Democratic Party rally at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island.

The incident also claimed two other lives. Although suspects were arrested, they were later released due to insufficient evidence, with authorities recommending further investigations.

In April 2015, Oshodi transport union leader Olayemi Eniola, also known as Esi Oluwo, died after sustaining fatal injuries during a violent clash linked to political activities.

His death sparked tension in Oshodi, with allegations of attacks by rival union members, though no one was officially held responsible.

Kunle Mamowora, popularly called Mammok, and a Chief Security Officer to a former Lagos NURTW chairman, was shot dead in Oshodi.

He was attacked at a barbershop near his family house in Mafoloku. Though arrests were made years later, the case remains one of many unresolved killings linked to union rivalries.

On May 29, 2017, Rasaq Bello, widely known as Hamburger, was killed during violence at an APC local government primary election in Oshodi.

He was reportedly caught in a gun battle between rival factions, causing panic and fear of reprisal attacks in the area.

In January 2018, Ganiyu Ayinla, known as Pinero, was shot dead on Lagos Island while accompanying a union leader.

Police linked the killing to tensions surrounding upcoming NURTW elections, describing such incidents as a recurring pattern during union contests.

Violence again erupted during the 2019 governorship campaign when Ismaila Azeez Ibrahim, popularly called Legacy, was stabbed to death during clashes involving rival union members.

His death highlighted the intersection of transport union politics and electoral violence.

In July 2021, Samuel Kayode, also known as Ekpo Kinkin and Vice-Chairman of the NURTW in Agboju, was shot dead during an APC rally in Oriade LCDA.

He was reportedly trying to shield a politician when gunmen opened fire.

In August 2022, Sulaimon Onaolapo, known as Arikuyeri, was killed during a violent clash over control of motor parks in Mile 12.

Authorities linked the incident to supremacy battles among rival groups.

The latest victim, Toba Ajiboye, was attacked by gunmen while leaving the Fadeyi area after visiting friends.

Though he initially responded to treatment, he later died from his injuries. Three other occupants of his vehicle were also wounded.

Police have launched a manhunt for the attackers, while investigations continue.

The deaths of these transport union figures over nearly two decades reflect a persistent pattern of violence surrounding Lagos transport union politics.

Despite repeated investigations, many of the cases remain unresolved, with few convictions secured.

Ajiboye’s killing has renewed calls for stronger security measures and lasting reforms to curb violent rivalries within the transport sector and ensure that political and union disputes no longer end in bloodshed.