Akwa Ibom: A wave of grief and outrage has swept through Ette community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following the alleged killing of a 13-year-old boy, Timothy Daniel, by a soldier in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the tragic incident occurred shortly after midnight on January 1, 2026, as Timothy and his sister were returning from a night prayer service at Mount Zion Full Gospel Church along Akongntekong Road.
According to a resident, Anthony Akpan, the soldier—attached to security duties at Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Ltd—allegedly followed the teenage girl when she briefly stepped aside to urinate near the residence where he was stationed. The soldier reportedly made inappropriate sexual advances, which she resisted.
It was gathered that Timothy intervened after noticing his sister’s distress and confronted the soldier. Moments later, the soldier allegedly cocked his rifle and shot the teenager in the head at close range, killing him instantly. The sister reportedly escaped without physical injury.
The incident sparked immediate chaos in the community. Residents trooped to the scene after an alarm was raised, while anger and grief disrupted New Year celebrations. In the ensuing unrest, property was reportedly damaged, including a vehicle belonging to a former local government political aide.
Reacting to the killing, the leadership of Mboho Ukpum Ette, through its Publicity Secretary, Engr. Patrick Udoma, condemned the act in strong terms, describing it as “state-backed terror” and an unacceptable abuse of power. The group lamented what it described as a recurring pattern of military brutality in the area.
“This killing has plunged the family and the entire clan into mourning. It is an act that must not be swept under the carpet,” the statement read.
The community has demanded swift justice and the prosecution of the soldier involved.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the incident. Captain Lawal Bala Mohamed, Public Relations Officer of the 2 Brigade, Mbiokporo, Akwa Ibom State, stated that the matter has been taken over by the military police and is currently under investigation.
Legal observers note that the case raises serious concerns about civil-military relations, the use of armed personnel for private facility security, and accountability for alleged human rights violations. Akwa Ibom
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