Soldier allegedly shoots driver dead in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

A driver identified as Solomon James has reportedly been shot dead by a soldier along the Okitipupa-Ore Highway in Ondo State, causing panic and temporary disruption of traffic on the busy route.

The incident was said to have occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday near the D-Choice area of Ore, in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

According to eyewitnesses, the deceased, a native of Kogi State, was conveying kegs of diesel in his vehicle when he was allegedly pursued by a soldier riding a motorcycle.

Witnesses claimed the chase lasted for some distance before the soldier allegedly opened fire on the vehicle while it was in motion.

The driver was reportedly struck by the bullets, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, which later veered off the highway and ended up in a nearby bush.

Sources at the scene said the soldier and others involved fled immediately after the shooting, leaving residents and motorists in shock.

When journalists visited the area, several bullet holes were seen on the vehicle as crowds of residents and road users gathered, leading to temporary obstruction of traffic along the highway.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, while residents have called for a thorough investigation. A security source, however, confirmed the incident, although no official statement had been issued by authorities as of the time of filing this report.