Army Probes Alleged Killing of 13-Year-Old by Soldier in A’Ibom
The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into the alleged killing of a 13-year-old boy by a soldier attached to Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, has sparked anger and outrage among residents of the Ete community.
The victim, identified as Timothy Daniel, was reportedly shot dead after confronting the soldier over alleged sexual advances toward his 15-year-old sister, Miracle Daniel.
An eyewitness, Anthony Akpan, told journalists in Uyo on Monday that the siblings were returning from Mount Zion Full Gospel Church along Akongntekong Road in Ete community at about 12:05 a.m. when the incident occurred.
Akpan said the soldier allegedly followed the teenagers and began making advances toward Miracle. After she rejected him, the soldier reportedly touched her inappropriately, prompting her to curse him.
According to the eyewitness, Timothy, who had been waiting on the opposite side of the road, intervened after noticing the altercation.
“The boy confronted the soldier and started cursing him for molesting his sister. The soldier then cocked his rifle and shot the boy in the head, leaving him lying in a pool of blood,” Akpan said.
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Providing further details, Akpan explained that the incident occurred near the residence of the late former clan head, HRH Barrister Clement Idemudo, where Chinese expatriates reportedly reside. He added that the church shares a fence with the residence.
“She rejected him, and he became angry and touched her buttocks. She cursed him, and he threatened her. When her brother joined her and challenged the soldier, he raised his rifle and fired at the boy’s head,” Akpan added.
Reacting to the incident, the Publicity Secretary of Mboho Ukpum Ete, a sociopolitical group in the area, Patrick Udoma, condemned the killing, describing it as an act of terrorism.
Udoma decried what he called the unprofessional conduct of the soldier, saying the incident had plunged the family and the entire Ukpum Ete clan into mourning.
“This act is unacceptable and is viewed as terrorism by the people of Ukpum Ete,” he said, while calling on the authorities to ensure justice and appropriate punishment for the soldier involved.
The incident reportedly triggered tension in the area, leading to damage to a BMW belonging to Obong Uyai Udoiwod, a former political adviser to the Ikot Abasi Local Government chairman, who allegedly drove into the scene during the unrest.
Confirming the development, the Army Public Relations Officer of the 2 Brigade, Mbiokporo, Captain Lawal Mohamed, said the matter had been taken over by the military police.
“The incident has been handled by the military police and is currently under investigation,” he said.
By PRNigeria
