Army Moves Swiftly on Soldier Over Driver’s Death in Akunu

AKUNU, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army has begun disciplinary action against one of its soldiers involved in the tragic death of a commercial bus driver in Akunu, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident, which happened on Sunday, October 13, 2025, has drawn public concern and grief, prompting the Headquarters 32 Artillery Brigade to step in, promising a transparent and speedy investigation.

According to a statement released by Major Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Brigade, the incident occurred when the late driver, who was reportedly heading from Akure to Abuja, encountered mechanical issues near a military checkpoint in Akunu.

Passengers, frustrated by the breakdown, demanded a refund of their transport fares. In the confusion, one of the passengers reportedly sought assistance from a soldier stationed at the checkpoint to intervene.

What happened next, according to eyewitnesses, was a series of events that quickly spiraled out of control. The soldier, said to have approached the scene to mediate, allegedly behaved “uncouthly and unprofessionally,” in a manner inconsistent with the military’s Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.

The altercation escalated into a physical confrontation between the soldier and the driver. Reports indicate that the situation turned violent, leading to injuries that later proved fatal.

Upon learning of the incident, Headquarters 32 Artillery Brigade immediately intervened, rushing the injured driver to a nearby medical facility. The Army said it fully covered the driver’s medical bills and even assigned an officer to remain by his side during treatment.

The driver was initially treated at a hospital in Akoko, before being referred to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital in Akure, and later to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo, where he unfortunately passed away on Monday, October 14, 2025.

In an emotional statement, Major Irabor expressed the Army’s deep sympathy to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as “regrettable and unacceptable.”

“The Nigerian Army, as a reputable institution anchored on discipline and professionalism, wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the family and close associates of the deceased,” the statement read. “We are committed to ensuring that justice is served swiftly and transparently. The soldier involved will face the full wrath of the law, and the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public.”

Beyond the internal investigation, the Army also made immediate humanitarian interventions to comfort the grieving family.

A delegation from the 32 Artillery Brigade paid a condolence visit to the victim’s home and met with officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State. During the visit, the Brigade reportedly pledged to cover all burial expenses and provide welfare support to the deceased’s dependents.

The Army further assured that the death of the breadwinner would not disrupt the education of the children, as arrangements were being made to cushion the family’s hardship.

“The liaison officer from the Brigade remains in constant touch with the family to ensure that the necessary support is provided during this difficult time,” the Army’s spokesperson added.

Reactions have continued to trail the Army’s response, with local residents and community leaders in Akunu commending the swift action and open communication from the military authorities.

A local commercial driver, who gave his name as Sunday, told The Gazette News (Nigeria) that the quick move by the Army to take responsibility was a “welcome development.”

“Normally, when issues like this happen, you expect long stories and blame games,” he said. “But this time, the Army came out fast, admitted the mistake, and they are already taking action. That’s something we respect.”

The Ondo State Government also commended the 32 Artillery Brigade for its proactive steps, especially for working with the victim’s family and ensuring the case didn’t spiral into a community crisis.

Officials from the state reportedly praised the Army for handling the matter professionally and for prioritizing the welfare of the deceased’s children.

As investigations continue, Major Irabor reiterated that the Nigerian Army remains committed to discipline, accountability, and public trust, describing the act as a “clear breach” of the professional ethics guiding soldiers on duty.

He further emphasized that the Army would not tolerate misconduct by any personnel, no matter their rank or posting.

“This unfortunate incident does not represent the values of the Nigerian Army,” Irabor stressed. “We will not shy away from our responsibilities, and we will ensure justice is done in line with the law and military regulations.”

The death of the Akunu driver has reopened public discussions on military-civilian relations at checkpoints, especially on the need for continuous retraining of soldiers on human rights and civil engagement.

Observers say the current disciplinary process will be a major test of the Army’s sincerity in upholding accountability and restoring public confidence.

For now, the family of the deceased is waiting — not just for justice, but for closure.

And as the Nigerian Army promises to make the outcome public, citizens across Ondo State and beyond are watching closely, hoping that this case will set a firm example that no life is too small for justice.