Driver allegedly shot dead by soldier on Ondo highway

A driver, identified as Solomon James, was allegedly shot dead by a soldier on Wednesday along the Okitipupa-Ore Highway in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident, which occurred at about 2:30 p.m., reportedly caused traffic disruption and sparked outrage among residents and motorists in the area.

Eyewitnesses said the victim, a native of Kogi State, was transporting kegs of diesel when a soldier riding a motorcycle allegedly pursued his vehicle for some distance before opening fire near the D-Choice area of Ore.

According to residents, the driver sustained gunshot wounds and subsequently lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road and crashed into a nearby bush.

Witnesses further alleged that the soldier and other military personnel involved left the scene shortly after the shooting.

When journalists visited the area, the vehicle was seen riddled with bullet holes, while a large crowd of residents and motorists had gathered at the scene, resulting in temporary gridlock on the busy highway.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and security authorities had yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.