The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the detention of a top leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in connection with the killing of a resident during a violent clash in the state. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has sparked widespread outrage among community members and further heightened concerns about the recurring violence often linked to transport union activities in Lagos.
According to eyewitness accounts, the violent episode broke out in the early hours of Tuesday around the Ijesha area, when suspected members of a transport union faction allegedly attacked residents following a dispute over ticketing rights and territory control. Amid the chaos, a resident, whose identity has since been disclosed by family members as 28-year-old Adewale Ogunleye, tragically lost his life after being struck during the melee.
The Lagos Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect, a prominent branch leader of the NURTW, was taken into custody after intelligence reports linked him to the incident. Hundeyin assured members of the public that the police are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that Lagos will not be held hostage by violent groups.
Police Investigation Underway
Speaking to journalists, Hundeyin emphasized that the suspect is currently cooperating with investigators and has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for further questioning.
“The Commissioner of Police has given a clear directive that this case must be thoroughly investigated without fear or favor. The individual in question is a known transport union leader in the state, and our preliminary findings show that he played a role in instigating the violence which led to the unfortunate loss of life. Lagos residents can rest assured that the police will prosecute this case to its logical conclusion,” Hundeyin said.
He further revealed that additional arrests have been made, with at least five other union members currently in custody. Weapons, including machetes, sticks, and locally made firearms, were reportedly recovered from the suspects during a raid conducted by officers in the aftermath of the clash.
Family of the Victim Cries Out for Justice
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has demanded justice, describing Ogunleye as a hardworking young man who was not involved in the conflict but became an unfortunate victim. His elder brother, Segun Ogunleye, who spoke to reporters at their family home, described the death as a painful blow.
“My brother was not a union member; he was only returning from his night shift job when he got caught up in the fight. It is heartbreaking that innocent people continue to pay the price for the violence caused by these so-called transport leaders. We demand that the government and the police ensure that those responsible are punished so that his death will not be in vain,” Segun lamented.
The grieving family also revealed that Adewale had been the breadwinner, caring for his widowed mother and younger siblings. His sudden death has left the household in deep distress, further compounding the anger of residents who accuse transport union factions of terrorizing communities.
Community Leaders Raise Alarm Over Rising Violence
Residents and community leaders in the affected area have also spoken out, condemning the incessant violence associated with transport union operations. Many argued that the NURTW and its splinter factions have become lawless groups operating with impunity, often clashing over the control of motor parks and revenue collection.
Chief Adekunle Ajayi, a respected elder in the community, called for decisive government action. “For too long, Lagos communities have been at the mercy of violent union groups who see themselves as untouchable. We are tired of living in fear. Today it was Adewale; tomorrow it could be anyone. The government must intervene before more lives are lost,” he said.
Several shop owners and traders in the area recounted how they were forced to close their businesses during the incident. Many complained of losing money and property to the chaos. “We couldn’t open our shops because we feared for our lives. These transport boys came with weapons, and the whole place was like a war zone,” a trader who identified herself as Mrs. Olayinka explained.
NURTW Reacts to Allegations
In response to the arrest, the Lagos State chapter of the NURTW has distanced itself from the incident. A statement signed by the union’s Public Relations Officer claimed that the detained leader was acting in his personal capacity and not under the directive of the union.
The statement read: “The Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers regrets the unfortunate incident that led to the death of an innocent resident. While we mourn with the family of the deceased, we must state clearly that our union does not encourage violence. Any member found guilty of engaging in such actions is acting on their own and must face the consequences under the law.”
However, critics argue that the union has failed to control its members over the years, with violent clashes repeatedly erupting across different parts of Lagos. Human rights activists and civil society groups have since called for a total ban or restructuring of the NURTW in the state, insisting that its continued operations pose a serious threat to public peace.
Calls for Government Intervention
Observers note that this latest incident adds to the long list of violent activities attributed to transport unions in Lagos. Over the years, several attempts have been made by successive state governments to curb the excesses of these groups, but with limited success.
Analysts believe that the time has come for a comprehensive reform of Lagos’ public transport sector. Security experts also emphasize the need for stronger collaboration between the police, community leaders, and transport authorities to address the root causes of such violence.
Dr. Oladipo Adebayo, a sociologist at the University of Lagos, explained that the recurring clashes are fueled by the economic value of motor parks and the informal ticketing system, which generates billions of naira annually. “Until the government creates a formalized, transparent system of revenue collection and management in the transport sector, violent struggles for control will continue. Arrests alone will not solve the problem,” Dr. Adebayo noted.
Lagosians Demand Safer Streets
For many Lagos residents, the latest development is a reminder of the urgent need for safety reforms in the transport sector. With the state being Nigeria’s economic hub and one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, citizens argue that violence linked to union disputes tarnishes the image of Lagos and discourages investment.
On social media, the hashtag #JusticeForAdewale has begun trending, with many young Nigerians demanding accountability. Advocacy groups have also called for public protests to draw attention to the issue and pressure the state government into taking firmer steps against violent unions.
What Lies Ahead
As investigations continue, the Lagos State Police Command has reassured residents that justice will be done. Authorities have promised to charge the detained leader and his accomplices in court once investigations are concluded.
While the arrest has provided a sense of relief, many Lagosians insist that long-term measures must follow to prevent future tragedies. Whether the government will implement such reforms or allow the cycle of violence to persist remains a question only time will answer.
For now, the family of Adewale Ogunleye and the wider Lagos community are left mourning a life cut short by the recurring menace of transport union violence, as they await justice and a safer future.
