Army authority commences disciplinary action against soldier involved in death of commercial driver
The Nigerian Army has assured the family of the late commercial bus driver who died following an altercation with a soldier at Akunu, Ondo State, of its unwavering commitment to ensure justice is served.
In a statement signed by Major Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, the military authorities vowed to expedite disciplinary action against the soldier involved in the incident, describing his conduct as “unprofessional and contrary to the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.”
According to the Army, the unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday, October 13, 2025, when the deceased, a commercial bus driver heading to Abuja from Akure, had mechanical issues with his vehicle near a military checkpoint at Akunu, in Akoko North-East Local Government Area.
Irabor explained that as passengers demanded a refund of their fares, one of them sought assistance from a soldier stationed at the checkpoint. The soldier’s subsequent intervention reportedly turned violent, leading to a physical confrontation with the driver.
“The soldier exhibited an act contrary to the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct guiding his deployment at the checkpoint,” the statement noted.
Upon learning of the incident, the Headquarters 32 Artillery Brigade promptly evacuated the victim to a medical facility and covered all medical expenses. An officer was assigned to remain with the driver throughout his treatment at Akoko, Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and later at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he unfortunately passed away on Monday, October 14, 2025.
The Nigerian Army expressed its deepest sympathy to the bereaved family and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), pledging that “the soldier will face the full wrath of the law and the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings will be made public.”
The statement also disclosed that a condolence visit had been paid to the family of the deceased, while the Brigade pledged to handle the burial expenses and support the education of the deceased driver’s children.
“We will not shy away from our responsibilities,” Major Irabor added, noting that a liaison officer has been assigned to maintain close contact with the family throughout the burial process.
The Ondo State Government, according to the Army, has commended the Brigade’s proactive steps and pledged support to ensure the welfare of the late driver’s children is prioritized.
