By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command has warned transport union members and their supporters against reprisals following the killing of the Organising Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya.
Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, gave the warning during a peace meeting with leaders of the NURTW and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), assuring them that those behind the murder would be identified and prosecuted.
Tijani said detectives had launched a full-scale investigation into the killing, while security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations across Lagos to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He appealed to both unions to prevail on their members to remain calm, stressing that retaliation would only undermine efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
“The command will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting public peace. We are closely monitoring activities across the state, and anyone found engaging in violence or other unlawful acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the police commissioner warned.
He also urged residents to assist investigators with credible information, assuring that the probe would be thorough, professional and impartial, with its outcome made public.
Responding, Lagos NURTW Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, commended the police for their swift response and disclosed that the union had directed members to remain peaceful. He pledged to hand over any member found violating the directive.
The Lagos RTEAN chairman also pledged the association’s full cooperation with investigators, assuring that its members would not engage in actions capable of disrupting public peace.
The killing of Ajiboye has heightened tension in parts of Lagos, particularly Fadeyi, Agbaga and Oworonshoki, where security has been reinforced to forestall possible reprisals as investigations continue.
