Tension in Ondo as Luxury Bus Drivers Protest After Policeman Allegedly Shoots Tyre Over Bribe Refusal

A tense situation reportedly erupted in Ore, a busy town in Ondo State, after a Nigerian police officer allegedly shot the tyre of a luxury bus whose driver refused to pay a bribe at a roadside checkpoint. The incident, which occurred along one of the community’s major transit routes, sparked outrage among fellow drivers and quickly escalated into a protest that temporarily disrupted traffic.

Akahi News gathered that the affected vehicle, a high-end commercial bus conveying passengers, was stopped by the officer during what was described as a routine stop-and-search operation. However, sources at the scene claim the driver declined to offer an illegal payment, leading to a heated exchange before the officer reportedly fired at the rear tyre of the bus.

The sudden gunshot reportedly caused panic among passengers and nearby commuters, as the damaged tyre left the bus stranded in the middle of the road.

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Angry Drivers Block Road in Protest

In response to the incident, other luxury bus drivers operating in the area reportedly mobilised and blocked a section of the highway in open protest. Witnesses said the drivers demanded that the officer be held accountable and compelled to pay for the damaged tyre of their colleague’s vehicle.

According to accounts gathered by Akahi News, the protesting drivers accused some security operatives of harassment, intimidation, and extortion along the route, insisting that the latest incident was an extreme example of abuse of power.

Chanting and displaying placards, the drivers reportedly insisted that the road would remain blocked until their demands were met. The protest resulted in gridlock, with commuters and motorists forced to seek alternative routes or wait for hours as the standoff continued.

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Concerns Over Police Conduct and Public Safety

The incident has reignited long-standing concerns over alleged extortion and unprofessional conduct by some officers on Nigerian roads. While law enforcement agencies are expected to maintain security and enforce the law, the use of firearms in a non-life-threatening situation has raised serious questions among residents and human rights observers.

Akahi News learnt that some bystanders recorded short videos of the confrontation, which were later shared on social media, further fuelling public anger and demand for justice.

Community members in Ore have called on the Ondo State Police Command to launch an immediate investigation into the matter and ensure that any officer found guilty of misconduct is appropriately sanctioned.

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Police Yet to Issue Official Statement

As at the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Ondo State Police Command regarding the incident. However, residents and commuters in the area remain on edge, hoping for swift intervention to prevent a repeat occurrence.

Observers say the situation underscores the urgent need for continuous retraining of officers and strict monitoring of personnel on highway assignments, in order to rebuild public trust and promote professionalism within the force.

Akahi News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the incident and provide verified updates as more details emerge.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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