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Residents of Ukpum Ete community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have demanded justice following the alleged killing of a 13-year-old boy, Timothy Daniel, by a soldier in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred along Akongntekong Road, Ete, shortly after a crossover service at Mount Zion Full Gospel Church. Daniel, a junior secondary school student, was said to be returning home with his 15-year-old sister, Miracle, and other worshippers when the incident happened.
According to eyewitness accounts, the church shares a boundary with the residence of the late former clan head, Clement Idemudo, a compound now occupied by Chinese expatriates and guarded by soldiers attached to Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited.
An eyewitness, Anthony Akpan, alleged that the incident began when Miracle briefly crossed the road near the church premises. He claimed that a soldier on duty followed her and made inappropriate advances.
“She protested when he touched her and cursed him. The soldier became angry and threatened her,” Akpan said.
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Daniel, who was waiting on the opposite side of the road, reportedly intervened after hearing his sister’s cries. Witnesses said the teenager confronted the soldier over the alleged harassment, which led to a heated exchange.
Moments later, the soldier allegedly fired his rifle, hitting the boy. Daniel collapsed and was confirmed dead at the scene. The gunshot reportedly triggered panic among worshippers, who fled the area in fear as New Year celebrations turned into mourning.
In the ensuing chaos, several properties were damaged, including a BMW belonging to Obong Uyai Udoiwod, a former political adviser to the Ikot Abasi Local Council chairman, who reportedly drove into the area during the disturbance.
The socio-cultural group of the area, Mboho Ukpum Ete, condemned the killing and demanded accountability. In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Engr Patrick Udoma, the group described the incident as “unacceptable” and called for the identification and prosecution of the soldier involved.
“This act has thrown the entire clan into mourning, and we insist that the perpetrator be punished according to the law,” the statement read.
Confirming the incident, the Army Public Relations Officer of 2 Brigade, Mbiokporo, Captain Lawal Bala Mohamed, said the Military Police had taken over the case and that investigations were ongoing. He assured the public that the Nigerian Army does not condone misconduct by its personnel and that justice would be served.
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