Chaos erupts in Mushin following gunfire and fatal attack on top NURTW official

Tension mounted in areas of Mushin, Yaba, and Fadeyi in Lagos on Tuesday evening, sparked by reports of sporadic gunfire and the alleged demise of Toba Ijaiya, a senior figure in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

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Reports circulating on social media and messaging platforms claimed Ijaiya, who was reportedly shot by unidentified gunmen two nights prior, had succumbed to his injuries in a hospital where medical staff had fought to save his life.

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These reports further alleged that gunfire had been heard in parts of Mushin, stoking fears of potential retaliatory attacks by Ijaiya's loyalists, prompting warnings for residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement in the area.

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Residents were advised in viral messages to steer clear of the Mushin, Yaba, and Fadeyi axis and to remain vigilant, with many opting to send warnings to loved ones to return home before nightfall or seek safer accommodations.

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Others cautioned family members living in the vicinity of Mushin to spend the night with relatives in more secure locations, citing concerns over the uncertainty of the situation and the possibility of reprisals.

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One widely circulated message warned of a potential breakdown of law and order, urging individuals to plan their movements carefully, especially around the Yaba, Fadeyi, and Mushin areas, and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

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Another message simply stated that there was shooting in Mushin and advised people to remain where they were and take steps to protect themselves.

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These messages sparked widespread apprehension, prompting many commuters and residents to make frantic calls to ascertain the situation on the ground, seeking reassurance about their safety.

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When contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abmbola Adebisi, stated that the command had no report of shooting in Mushin, aiming to alleviate concerns.

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However, police sources assured residents that there was no cause for alarm, emphasizing that adequate security measures had been put in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order, and to maintain public safety.

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Residents, meanwhile, have appealed to security agencies to maintain a heightened presence in the affected areas, seeking reassurance and a preventative measure against potential reprisal attacks.

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As of the time of reporting, the Lagos State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the reported death of the NURTW chieftain, Toba Ijaiya, or the alleged shooting incident, leaving many questions unanswered.