Bus Driver Returns Over N400,000 Forgotten by Passenger in Abia

• An Abia commercial bus driver, Onyekachi Ikpendu, has been praised after returning over N400,000 and personal belongings accidentally left behind by a passenger.

An Abia State commercial bus driver, Onyekachi Ikpendu, has earned commendation after returning more than N400,000 and other personal belongings accidentally left in his vehicle by a passenger.

The Abia State Government praised Ikpendu for his honesty, describing his action as a demonstration of integrity, sincerity and responsible citizenship.

The state Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, commended the driver on Friday, saying his decision to return the money showed that the mindset of residents was changing positively.

Ikpendu had returned over N400,000 in cash forgotten in his vehicle by a passenger, Nkechi John, a trader who had boarded the bus from Uzuakoli to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal.

John, however, alighted at Ubani Market and inadvertently left her bag containing the money and other personal belongings inside the vehicle.

After realising that she had lost the bag, she immediately rushed to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, where Ikpendu had secured the cash and other belongings and was waiting for the owner to return.

Speaking with journalists at the terminal on Friday, the driver said he never considered keeping the money, stressing that he was satisfied with earning a living through honest labour.

“I am grateful because I am not eating somebody’s sweat; I am eating my own.

“No amount of money I see now will move me to take what does not belong to me,” Ikpendu stated.

He added that returning the money was important to him because he believed that God rewards honesty and good deeds.

The owner of the forgotten bag expressed gratitude to the driver for his sincerity and also commended Governor Alex Otti for the construction of the terminal.

According to her, the terminal made it easier for her to trace the vehicle and recover the money, which she disclosed was meant for her business.

Commenting on the incident, Ukaegbu said, “Our people are showing gratitude to His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, for the good work.

The commissioner added, “Honestly, the mindset of the people is changing towards doing the right thing without even being compelled to do so.”

Ukaegbu urged residents to continue demonstrating honesty and integrity in their daily activities, describing Ikpendu’s action as a worthy example of responsible citizenship.