The chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, narrowly escaped what appears to be an assassination attempt when armed gunmen stormed his Surulere residence early on Sunday morning.
The attackers, who reportedly targeted Sego, were unaware that he was not at home at the time of the invasion. In a violent bid to execute their plans, the gunmen forced their way into his house, overpowering the security guard stationed at the residence. However, upon discovering that Sego was absent, the assailants fled, leaving behind a threatening message for the security guard.
A source close to Sego, confirmed the incident. The aide explained that the gunmen had broken into the house between late Saturday and early Sunday. “It is true that some gunmen invaded the chairman’s house. They forced their way into the building and overpowered the security guard. After attacking him, they left when they were told the chairman was not around,” the aide disclosed.
The assailants had arrived at Sego’s residence in Surulere, Lagos, expecting to find him there. However, Sego was not home at the time. According to his aide, Sego was reportedly on the Island during the attack, which might have inadvertently thwarted the plans of the gunmen. “We were on the Island, but they thought that we were in Surulere,” the aide explained.
Although the attackers failed to carry out their intended mission, they did not leave quietly. Before departing, they tied up the security guard and even took a photograph of him. The gunmen reportedly threatened the guard not to inform Sego of the attack, warning that they would return and kill him if he did. “Before they left, they tied the security guard and took his picture with a threat that he should not tell the chairman anything, or they would come back and kill him,” the aide added.
The chilling incident has raised questions about the motive behind the attack. While the police have yet to make any public statements regarding the situation, the possibility that Sego was specifically targeted for his position within the NURTW cannot be ruled out. The NURTW, one of the most powerful unions in Nigeria, is known for its involvement in the transport sector, often dealing with large sums of money and having substantial influence in local politics.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has long been a source of tension and controversy in Nigerian cities, especially Lagos, due to its leadership, political connections, and the power struggles that sometimes occur within the union. Many observers suspect that the attack could be linked to internal disputes or rival factions within the union, although this has not been officially confirmed.
When contacted for comment, Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, stated that he had not yet received any report regarding the incident. “I haven’t received any information about the attack yet,” Hundeyin said, expressing surprise at the situation.
Despite this, there is growing concern among Sego’s supporters and union members about the security of NURTW leaders, particularly in Lagos, where clashes and rivalries within the union are not uncommon. The NURTW has a long history of power struggles, which have sometimes turned violent. These incidents have led to concerns over the safety of union leaders and their families, with many calling for increased protection and better coordination with law enforcement.
The attack on Sego’s residence comes at a time when Nigeria, and especially Lagos, has been grappling with rising insecurity. While violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnappings have become more frequent across the country, attacks on individuals with political or organizational influence, like Sego, have also become a disturbing trend. The use of violence to settle scores within the NURTW and other groups has further added to the sense of danger that many residents of Lagos feel.
Sego’s escape from the attack may have averted what could have been a high-profile assassination, but the incident has raised alarm within his camp and among those close to the NURTW. The union, which operates in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in the southern states, holds significant sway in the transportation sector, with its leadership often involved in local governance and political activities. Therefore, any attack on its leadership is seen as a direct challenge to the union’s power and influence.
Security analysts suggest that the attack on Sego could be part of a larger pattern of violence aimed at destabilizing the leadership of powerful unions in the country. Given the NURTW’s prominence, the attack may have been orchestrated by individuals or groups with vested interests in weakening the union’s leadership or causing a power vacuum within its ranks. Such factions often resort to violence to gain control of key positions within the union or its operations.
In light of the attack, many are calling for swift action to improve security for prominent public figures, including union leaders. They argue that the government and law enforcement agencies must do more to ensure that individuals in positions of power are adequately protected from such threats.
The police have yet to announce any progress in their investigation into the incident. However, the fact that Sego narrowly escaped with his life has brought attention to the growing challenges of personal security in Nigeria’s volatile political and social climate. The attack has also fueled fears that the rising insecurity in the country is beginning to touch all levels of society, from the common man to influential union leaders.
For now, Sego and his family remain shaken by the incident, though there have been no reports of serious injuries from the attack. As the investigation continues, many are left wondering whether the perpetrators will be apprehended or if the rising trend of targeted violence will continue to escalate. The Nigerian public, especially those in Lagos, are anxiously awaiting more details on the case and the police’s next steps in ensuring the safety of those involved.
In the meantime, Sego and his supporters have yet to comment publicly on the specifics of the attack, but the NURTW leader’s close associates have made it clear that the matter is being taken very seriously. Whether the attackers will return or the issue will be resolved remains to be seen. However, this assassination attempt serves as a stark reminder of the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly for those in positions of power.
