By Ado Oyeyemi
A driver identified as Solomon James, an indigene of Kogi State, has been allegedly shot dead by a soldier along the Okitipupa–Ore Highway in Ondo State, causing panic and disruption of vehicular movement in the area.
The incident, which occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, reportedly led to tension around the D-Choice axis of Ore, where the fatal shooting was said to have taken place.
Eyewitnesses said the deceased, who was transporting kegs of diesel in his vehicle, was allegedly chased by a soldier on a motorcycle before being shot during the pursuit.
According to the accounts, the chase stretched over a distance before gunshots were fired at the vehicle, leaving the driver fatally injured.
The vehicle was said to have veered off the highway into a nearby bush after the driver was hit, while the alleged assailant reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident.
When our correspondent visited the area, the vehicle was seen with multiple bullet holes, attracting residents and road users who gathered at the scene, resulting in a temporary gridlock along the busy highway.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and there has been no official statement from relevant authorities as of the time of filing this report.
However, a security source confirmed the incident, while residents and commuters called for a thorough investigation to establish what led to the confrontation and ensure accountability.
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The development has further raised concerns among road users over safety along the busy Ore corridor, which connects several parts of Ondo State and neighbouring regions.
