• Warns NURTW, RTEAN Against Reprisals, Says Killers Will Be Brought to Justice
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, has reassured residents that the security situation across the state remains under control following the killing of the General Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), popularly known as Toba Ijaya.
Speaking during a strategic peace meeting with the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the Police Commissioner appealed for calm and urged both unions to prevent their members from taking the law into their own hands.
CP Tijani disclosed that the Lagos State Police Command had launched a comprehensive investigation into the killing and vowed that those responsible would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Command has commenced a thorough investigation into this unfortunate incident, and I assure you that the outcome will be made public when the investigation is concluded,” he stated.
He warned that the Police would not tolerate any attempt to exploit the incident to trigger violence or disrupt public order in Lagos.
“I appeal to the leadership of both NURTW and RTEAN to continue restraining your members.
No individual or group should take the law into their own hands.
We will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting public peace, and anyone found breaching the peace will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” CP Tijani said.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public to support ongoing investigations by volunteering credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the perpetrators.
“Allow the Police to carry out a professional, diligent and unbiased investigation.
If you have useful information, share it with us.
We are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are identified, arrested and brought to justice,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the NURTW, the Lagos State Chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle Adio (Sego), commended the Police Commissioner for his swift intervention, noting that the union had consistently preached peace since the tragic incident.
He assured the Police Command that the union would continue to maintain order and cooperate fully with security agencies.
“We appreciate the Commissioner of Police for bringing us together at this critical time.
Since the unfortunate incident, we have held several meetings with our members and consistently preached peace.
Calm has prevailed, and we will continue to ensure that it remains so,” Sego said.
He further pledged that any union member found attempting to incite violence would be handed over to law enforcement authorities.
Similarly, the Lagos State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Shamsudeen Adepeju Ajala (Kaosar), praised the Lagos State Police Command for its proactive response and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to peace and lawful conduct.
“We will cooperate fully with the Police to ensure that those behind this incident are identified and brought to justice.
Our members have been directed to remain law-abiding, and we will not allow anyone to create unrest in Lagos,” he assured.
The meeting concluded with a joint resolution by both transport unions to intensify sensitisation campaigns among their members, discourage the spread of misinformation, and sustain collaboration with security agencies throughout the investigation.
In his closing remarks, CP Tijani stressed that peace, cooperation, and respect for the rule of law remain essential to ensuring justice for the slain union leader.
“Peace and cooperation are indispensable to a successful investigation. We must not allow criminal elements to exploit this unfortunate incident to destabilise Lagos.
Together, we will ensure justice is served while preserving the peace that Lagosians deserve.“
With the Police Command maintaining heightened surveillance across the state and both transport unions publicly committing themselves to peace, Lagos residents have been assured that security agencies remain fully in control of the situation.
The unified message from all stakeholders is clear: those responsible for Toba Ijaya’s killing will face justice through due process, while every effort will be made to preserve the peace, safety, and stability of Nigeria’s commercial capital.
