A 46-year-old Nigerian citizen, Osemwengie Irorere, was shot and killed inside a GO bus at the Yorkdale terminal in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The incident, which occurred around 7 p.m., has been confirmed as the city's first homicide of the new year.
Shooting Unfolds on Crowded Bus
Toronto Police responded to reports of a shooting at the terminal located near Yorkdale Road and Allen Road. Investigators believe that the suspect, Tyrel Gibson, 40, of Toronto, boarded the same bus as the victim. According to police, Gibson fired a single shot at Irorere before fleeing the scene on foot.
Officers arrived to find the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, Osemwengie Irorere was pronounced dead shortly after.
An eyewitness seated behind the victim described the bus as dark and crowded. The witness initially mistook the sound of the gunshot for a tyre popping. "Right after, I stood up and I looked at the seat in front of me and I saw a guy, bleeding," the witness told local media, also recalling the smell of smoke in the air moments after the shot.
Suspect with Lengthy Criminal History Arrested
Police located and arrested Tyrel Gibson a short time later near the Yorkdale subway station. A firearm was recovered during the arrest. Gibson appeared at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Monday, January 5, to face a charge of first-degree murder.
Court records reveal that Gibson has an extensive and violent criminal history spanning more than two decades, with nearly 24 charges on record. His past convictions include:
- Attempted murder
- Multiple firearm-related offences
In 2015, he pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated assault, using a firearm, and possession of an unauthorised firearm, resulting in a lifetime weapons prohibition. He was later sentenced to eight years in prison in 2017. Police have not disclosed how much of that sentence he served prior to his release.
Investigation Continues as Community Reels
The tragic killing of Osemwengie Irorere has sent shockwaves through the local Nigerian community in Toronto and abroad. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting as the case proceeds through the courts. The motive for the attack has not been publicly disclosed.
This violent incident highlights the tragic consequences of gun violence and has raised questions about the judicial handling of repeat offenders with histories of severe crimes.
