The Nigerian Army has pledged to take swift and decisive disciplinary action against a soldier allegedly responsible for the death of a commercial bus driver in Ondo State.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Major Njoka Irabor.

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

Major Irabor explained that the situation escalated after passengers demanded a refund of their transport fare. One of them reportedly sought the intervention of a soldier at the checkpoint to retrieve the money, leading to an altercation between the soldier and the driver.

“The soldier’s conduct was unprofessional and contrary to the Nigerian Army’s Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct,” the statement read.

The Army said it immediately took responsibility for the driver’s medical care, evacuating him to a nearby hospital before transferring him to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and later to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he unfortunately died on Monday, October 14, 2025.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the Army assured that justice would be served and the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings would be made public.

“As a reputable and disciplined institution, the Nigerian Army expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased and remains committed to ensuring the soldier faces the full consequences of his actions,” the statement added.

It further disclosed that officials of the 32 Artillery Brigade had paid a condolence visit to the deceased’s family and the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State.

The Army also pledged to handle the burial arrangements and welfare needs of the late driver’s family, including support for his children’s education.

“The Brigade, in collaboration with the Ondo State Government, is working to ensure a peaceful resolution of the matter while prioritising the welfare of the family members left behind,” the statement concluded.