Army promises justice after soldier allegedly kills Ondo bus driver

The Nigerian Army has pledged  to take prompt disciplinary measures against a soldier who allegedly caused the death of a commercial bus driver in Ondo State.

This assurance was contained in a statement released on Thursday via the Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) account by Major Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on Sunday, 13 October 2025, when the driver, who was en route from Akure to Abuja, experienced mechanical issues near a military checkpoint in Akunu, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

“Headquarters 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, has vowed to expedite the ongoing disciplinary process against a soldier involved in the unfortunate death of a commercial bus driver at Akunu,” the statement read.

The Army explained that passengers, frustrated by the breakdown, began demanding a refund of their fares. One of the passengers reportedly approached a soldier stationed at the checkpoint to assist in retrieving the money from the driver.

“The soldier responded in an unprofessional and aggressive manner, which led to an altercation with the driver. This escalated into physical contact and the soldier’s conduct was in clear breach of the Army’s Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.”

Upon learning of the incident, the Brigade said it swiftly evacuated the injured driver for medical treatment and assumed full responsibility for his care.

“The driver was first managed at a local medical facility in Akoko, then referred to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital in Akure, and subsequently transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo. Sadly, he passed away on Monday, 14 October 2025.”

The Army extended its condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public of full accountability.

“The Nigerian Army, as a disciplined institution, expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the soldier involved faces the full weight of military and civil justice. The outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public.”

The Army also confirmed that a delegation from the 32 Artillery Brigade had visited the family and the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State to offer condolences and support.

“We have pledged to cover burial expenses and ensure the welfare of the deceased’s dependants is prioritised, particularly their continued access to education.”

The Army added that a liaison officer had been assigned to maintain communication with the family throughout the burial arrangements.

Additionally, the Ondo State Government reportedly commended the Brigade’s proactive response and pledged to support efforts to mitigate the impact on the late driver’s family.