A commercial bus driver in Abia State, Mr Onyekachi Ikpendu, has returned more than N400,000 left in his vehicle by a passenger, Mrs Nkechi John.
Ikpendu reportedly discovered the money and other personal belongings in a bag abandoned in his bus after John alighted at Ubani Market.
John had boarded the bus at Uzuakoli and was travelling to Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia before getting off at the market.
Realising that she had left her bag in the vehicle, the petty trader immediately returned to the terminal, where Ikpendu had secured the bag and its contents.
Explaining his decision to return the money on Friday, Ikpendu said he was content with earning his livelihood through honest work and had no reason to take what did not belong to him.
“I am grateful and content with what I have, therefore, no amount of money I see now will move me to take what does not belong to me,” he said.
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The driver added that he believed honesty and good deeds attracted divine rewards.
John, while expressing gratitude to Ikpendu, said the money was meant for her business.
She also thanked Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for the construction of the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, saying the facility made it easier for her to trace the vehicle and recover her belongings.
Reacting to the incident, the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, commended Ikpendu for demonstrating integrity and responsible citizenship.
Ukaegbu described the driver’s action as an example worthy of emulation, saying it reflected what he considered a positive shift in the mindset of Abia residents.
“Our people are showing gratitude to His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, for his good work and exemplary leadership in the state.
“Honestly, the mindset of the people is changing towards doing the right thing even without being compelled,” the commissioner said.
He urged residents to uphold honesty and integrity in their daily dealings, stressing that Ikpendu’s conduct demonstrated the importance