Nigerian Army Reacts As Soldier Beats Bus Driver To Death At Ondo Checkpoint

The Nigerian Army has pledged to take swift disciplinary action against a soldier involved in the death of a commercial bus driver in Ondo State.

Major Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 32 Artillery Brigade, shared details of the incident on the Army’s official X account on Thursday.

According to the Army, the bus driver, who was traveling from Akure to Abuja, had mechanical problems near a military checkpoint in Akunu, Akoko North-East Local Government Area on October 13, 2025.

The Army said a passenger on the bus contacted the soldier stationed at the checkpoint to help retrieve the money from the driver.

The soldier’s actions which resulted in an altercation with the driver, were, however, described as unprofessional and against military conduct.

“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 Akunu checkpoint to help the passengers retrieve their money from the driver”, the statement partly read.

The statement added that the soldier’s actions were unprofessional and in violation of military conduct; therefore, the Army immediately took responsibility for the driver’s medical care after the incident.

“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.

“The soldier exhibited an act that is contrary to the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct guiding his deployment at the checkpoint.

“Immediately 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 being managed at Akoko and referred to Ondo State Specialist Hospital Akure and thereafter referred to Federal Medical Centre Owo, where he sadly passed on, on Monday 14 October 2025”, the Aermy added.

The Army expressed condolences to the family and assured them that the soldier involved would face the full force of the law.

“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 continued.

The 32 Artillery Brigade also visited the family of the deceased, promising support for burial and welfare matters to prevent disruption to the family, especially the education of the children.

The Army said it is coordinating closely with the family and the Ondo State Government to ensure a peaceful resolution.

“Headquarters 32 Artillery Brigade has paid a condolence visit to the family members of the deceased and the leadership of 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, the State Government has commended the efforts of the Brigade in resolving the issue amicably and expressed support to prioritise the welfare of the children of the deceased driver”, the army concluded.

KanyiDaily also reported how a soldier attached to the 221 Battalion in Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, killed his wife before taking his own life at the barracks.