Army probes soldier over driver’s death in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi –
The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into the conduct of a soldier accused of causing the death of a commercial bus driver at a checkpoint in Akunu, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Major Njoka Irabor, confirmed this in a statement posted on the Army’s official X handle on Thursday.
“Headquarters 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, has vowed to expedite action in the ongoing disciplinary action against a soldier who was involved in the unfortunate death of a commercial bus driver at Akunu.
“The incident occurred on Sunday, 13 October 2025, when the late commercial bus driver, who was heading to Abuja from Akure, had mechanical issues with his vehicle close to the military checkpoint at Akunu in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“Unfortunately, passengers in the vehicle started requesting a refund of their transport fare. Subsequently, a passenger reached out to a soldier deployed at the Akunu checkpoint to help the passengers retrieve their money from the driver,” the statement partly read.
The army described the soldier’s action as “uncouth and unprofessional”, saying he violated the rules of engagement and the code of conduct guiding troops at checkpoints.
It said the driver was immediately evacuated for medical treatment, but he died the following day at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
“The Nigerian Army, as a reputable organisation anchored on discipline, wishes to express our deepest sympathy and reassure our unwavering commitment to the family of the deceased and close associates of speedy dispensation of disciplinary action against the soldier, as the soldier will face the full wrath of the law, and the outcome will be made public,” the statement added.
The 32 Artillery Brigade said it had visited the family of the deceased and the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State, promising to cover the burial expenses and support the education of the late driver’s children.
