Army Vows Swift Justice, Promises Support for Deceased’s Family
The Headquarters 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, has commenced disciplinary action against a soldier involved in the unfortunate death of a commercial bus driver at Akunu in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 13, 2025, involved a commercial bus driver travelling from Akure to Abuja whose vehicle developed a mechanical fault near a military checkpoint at Akunu. According to reports, as passengers began demanding a refund of their fares, one of them sought the assistance of a soldier stationed at the checkpoint to intervene.
The soldier, however, reportedly acted unprofessionally, leading to a confrontation with the driver. The altercation escalated and resulted in physical contact that left the driver critically injured.
In a statement signed by Major Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, the Army described the soldier’s conduct as “uncouth, unprofessional, and contrary to the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct guiding troops at checkpoints.”
Major Irabor stated that the Brigade promptly evacuated the injured driver to a nearby medical facility, took full responsibility for his medical bills, and assigned an officer to monitor his care. The victim was later referred to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and subsequently to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he sadly passed away on Monday, October 14, 2025.
“The Nigerian Army, as a reputable and disciplined institution, expresses its deepest sympathy to the family and associates of the deceased,” Major Irabor said. “We assure the public that the soldier involved will face the full weight of the law, and the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings will be made public.”
The Brigade has since paid a condolence visit to the deceased driver’s family and the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State. The Army also pledged to cover the burial expenses and provide welfare support to ensure that the death of the family’s breadwinner does not disrupt the education of his children.
Additionally, the Ondo State Government has commended the swift and responsible response of the 32 Artillery Brigade, pledging to collaborate in ensuring justice and supporting the welfare of the deceased’s family.
Major Irabor reaffirmed that the Brigade remains committed to upholding professionalism and accountability, emphasizing that acts of misconduct will never be tolerated within the Nigerian Army.