The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation and promised swift disciplinary action against a soldier implicated in the death of a commercial bus driver in Ondo State.

Major Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, revealed in a statement on the Nigerian Army’s official X account that the incident occurred on Sunday, 13 October 2025. The driver, traveling from Akure to Abuja, experienced mechanical problems near the Akunu checkpoint in Akoko North-East Local Government Area.

According to the statement, passengers demanded refunds for their fares, prompting one of them to seek the intervention of a soldier stationed at the checkpoint. The soldier allegedly behaved unprofessionally, leading to a physical altercation with the driver. The Army immediately took responsibility for the driver’s medical care, evacuating him to Akoko and then to Ondo State Specialist Hospital in Akure before referring him to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, where he unfortunately passed away on Monday, 14 October 2025.

The Army expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and assured that the soldier would face full disciplinary action. A condolence visit was paid to the family, and the Army pledged to cover burial expenses and support the children’s welfare. The statement emphasized the Army’s commitment to discipline, justice, and cooperation with the Ondo State Government to ensure an amicable resolution.

The incident has reignited public concern over alleged abuses by military personnel at checkpoints, highlighting long-standing calls for greater accountability and enforcement of rules of engagement.