IKOT ABASI, Nigeria — A 13-year-old boy, identified as Timothy Daniel, was shot dead in the early hours of New Year’s Day in the Ette community of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, in an incident residents say involved a soldier assigned to a nearby industrial facility.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Thursday, January 1, 2026, as the boy and his sister were returning from a church service, according to eyewitness accounts from community members.
Local residents alleged that a soldier attached to Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Company Ltd confronted the siblings near Akongntekong Road and, following a dispute, opened fire, killing the boy at the scene.
Allegations From Witnesses
Witnesses said the incident began when the soldier allegedly followed the victim’s sister, identified as Miracle, as she crossed the road to urinate and touched her buttocks without consent.
They said the girl pulled away as the soldier allegedly forcefully caressed her, prompting her to shout at him and attempt to break free.
According to eyewitness Anthony Akpan, the 13-year-old boy, Timothy Daniel, who had been waiting across the road, ran to his sister’s defence.
He reportedly verbally confronted the soldier, condemning him for “rubbing” his sister’s buttocks and demanding that he stop the harassment.
Witnesses alleged that the soldier then threatened the siblings, before raising his rifle and firing at close range, fatally shooting Timothy while his sister escaped.
Residents further alleged that after the shooting, the soldier called colleagues from inside the premises he was guarding.
The soldiers were said to have carried the boy’s body into the compound occupied by Chinese expatriate workers of Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Company Ltd, located within the residence of the late clan head, HRH Barr. Clement Idemudo.
The incident sparked immediate outrage in the community.
Protesters later set fire to a BMW belonging to a former political adviser in the area as tensions escalated.
Community members said the sister fled and raised the alarm, prompting residents to gather at the scene.
Tensions rose in the area, with residents expressing anger over what they described as recurring incidents involving security personnel posted to protect facilities where expatriate workers are lodged.
“We have lost two youths in less than two years due to army brutality,” Akpan said.
Community Leaders Condemn Killing
The Mboho Ukpum Ette community group, through its publicity secretary, Patrick Udoma, condemned the killing and called for accountability.
In a statement, the organisation described the incident as “unprofessional” conduct by personnel “hired by Sterling Petrochemical,” saying it had thrown the clan into mourning.
The statement demanded justice for the victim’s family.
“The President General of Mboho Ukpum Ete expresses dissatisfaction on the unprofessional manner the army personnel hired by Sterling Petrochemical unleashed mayhem on the citizens of Ukpum Ette in the murder of her citizen in the early hours of January 1st, 2026, throwing the family and the clan into mourning,” the statement read in part.
“This act is perceived as terrorism and unaccepted by the people of Ukpum Ette clan.”
Military Confirms Incident, Promises Investigation
Army authorities confirmed the incident and said it is under investigation.
Captain Lawal Bala Mohamed, Army Public Relations Officer for 2 Brigade, Akwa Ibom State, said the matter had been taken up by military police.
“The incident has been handled by the military police and is already under investigation,” he said.
The name of the soldier involved has not been released, and no formal charges have been announced.
Calls for Accountability
Community leaders and residents have urged federal and state authorities to intervene, calling for what they termed “appropriate punishment” for the individual responsible if the allegations are substantiated.
The shooting has heightened concerns about the conduct of security personnel assigned to private facilities in the region and renewed calls for stricter oversight and training.
Authorities said the investigation remains active.
