The Nigerian Army says it has commenced disciplinary action against a soldier involved in the death of a commercial bus driver during transport fare recovery tussle close to the military checkpoint at Akunu in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Assistant Director Army Public Relations
32 Artillery Brigade, Major Njoka Irabor revealed that 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 broke down that resulted in the tragedy at Federal Medical Centre Owo, where he sadly died on Monday 14 October 2025 after the victim was transferred from Ondo State Specialist hospital Akure.
Major Irabor, assured in statement on Thursday trouble started when passengers in the vehicle had requested for refund of their transport fare after the unarmed driver that prompted a passenger reached out to a soldier deployed at Akunu checkpoint to help the passengers retrieve their money from him.
“Consequently, the soldier showed up and displayed very uncouth and unprofessional conduct, resulting in an altercation with the driver, which led to physical contact between the soldier and the driver”, according to the statement that said, “the soldier exhibited an act that is contrary to the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct guiding his deployment at the checkpoint”.
The Army recalled that its Headquarters 32 Artillery Brigade got wind of the incident, they quickly evacuated the driver to a medical facility and took responsibility of the medical expenses and also assigned an officer to be with the driver throughout the period he was been managed at Akoko immediately.
Major Irabor added: “The Nigerian Army as a reputable organization anchored on discipline wish 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 made public”.
“Headquarters 32 Artillery Brigade, has paid a condolence visit to the family members of the deceased and the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW Ondo State and promised to take care of the burial expenses and other welfare matters to ensure that the vacuum of the demise of the breadwinner of the family does not disrupt the academic pursuit of the children.
“We will not shy away from our responsibilities, as the liaison officer for the Nigerian Army is in touch with the family members of the deceased as burial plans are ongoing.
“Additionally, Ondo State Government has commended the efforts of the Brigade in resolving the issue amicably and expressed support to prioritize the welfare of the children of the deceased driver”, according to the Army.
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