Tension gripped parts of Mushin, Yaba and Fadeyi in Lagos on Tuesday evening following reports of sporadic gunfire and the alleged death of a senior chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), identified as Toba Ijaiya.
Reports circulating on social media and messaging platforms claimed that Ijaiya, who was allegedly shot by unidentified gunmen two nights earlier, died in an undisclosed hospital despite efforts by doctors to save his life.
The messages also alleged that gunshots were heard in parts of Mushin, sparking fears of possible reprisal attacks by his loyalists.
Residents were urged to avoid unnecessary movement around the Mushin, Yaba and Fadeyi axis and remain security conscious. As anxiety spread, many people reportedly contacted relatives and friends, advising them to leave work early, return home before nightfall or spend the night in safer locations due to concerns over possible violence.
One widely circulated message warned: “There is a high likelihood of breakdown of law and order by his men. Plan your movement today and in the coming days, especially around the Yaba, Fadeyi, Mushin axis. Get yourself protected.”
Another read: “There is shooting in Mushin. Please remain where you are. Protect yourself.”
The reports triggered concern across parts of Lagos, with commuters and residents making frantic calls to verify the situation.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the command had no report of any shooting incident in Mushin.
Meanwhile, residents have appealed to security agencies to maintain a heightened security presence in the affected areas to reassure the public and prevent any possible reprisal attacks.
As of the time of reporting, the Lagos State Police Command had not officially confirmed either the reported death of the NURTW chieftain or the alleged shooting incident.
