Late Toba Ijaya
Picnews
…Urges NURTW, RTEAN to Shun Self-Help; Assures Suspects Behind Killing Will Be Arrested and Brought to Justice
In the aftermath of tragedy, the strength of leadership is often measured not only by the pursuit of justice but also by the ability to prevent grief and anger from escalating into disorder.
Following the killing of the General Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), popularly known as Toba Ijaya, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, has moved swiftly to calm tensions, reassure residents and reinforce the commitment of the Police to ensuring justice through due process.
The Commissioner convened a peace meeting with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), where he urged restraint and warned against any attempt by individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands.
The meeting, which was aimed at preventing a breakdown of peace within the transport sector, provided an opportunity for the Police Command to reassure stakeholders that a comprehensive investigation into the incident was already underway.
CP Tijani disclosed that the Command had commenced a detailed probe into the killing and assured the public that all efforts would be made to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
“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,” the Commissioner stated.
Appealing for calm, the Police Commissioner urged the leadership of both transport unions to continue restraining their members and discourage any action capable of disrupting public peace.
“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,” he warned.
CP Tijani further assured Lagos residents that the Police Command was closely monitoring developments across the state and called on members of the public to provide useful information that could assist the investigation.
“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 of the union, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle Adio (Sego), commended the Police Command for its timely intervention and assured that the union had remained committed to maintaining peace since the incident.
He stated that the union had held several engagements with its members and continued to advocate restraint and cooperation 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 also pledged the union’s support for the ongoing investigation, stressing that any member who attempts to violate the directive for peace would be handed over to the Police.
Similarly, the Lagos State Chairman of RTEAN, Comrade Shamsudeen Adepeju Ajala (Kaosar), praised the proactive approach of the Police Command and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to maintaining peace across the state.
He assured that RTEAN would cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killing are brought to justice.
“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 stated.
The meeting concluded with a resolution by both transport unions to intensify sensitisation among their members, promote peaceful conduct and discourage the spread of misinformation capable of heightening tension.
In his closing remarks, CP Tijani urged both unions to sustain dialogue with their members and maintain close collaboration with security agencies throughout the investigation process.
“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,” he said.
With the Police Command maintaining increased vigilance and transport union leaders pledging continued cooperation, stakeholders have reaffirmed that justice will be pursued through lawful means. The collective message remains clear: there will be no room for retaliation, violence or actions capable of threatening the peace, security and stability of Lagos State.
