The Youths of Ukpum Ete community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have condemned the killing of a 13-year-old boy, Timothy Daniel, allegedly shot by a soldier attached to Chinese expatriates working with Sterling Global Limited, a petrochemical and fertiliser processing firm.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day, shortly after a crossover service at Mount Zion Full Gospel Church along Akongntekong Road in the Ete clan.
The soldier is alleged to have shot the teenager during a confrontation that followed the rejection of his advances toward the boy’s teenage sister.
An eyewitness, Anthony Akpan, said the incident happened around 12:15 am, minutes after the church service ended.
The eyewitness said Miracle Daniel (15) and her younger brother, Timothy (13), were returning home from church with others when Miracle briefly crossed the road.
He alleged that the soldier, who was on guard duty at the residence of the late former clan head, Clement Idemudo, located next to the church and housing Chinese expatriates, approached the girl and made advances toward her.
Akpan said the girl rejected the advances, which led to a heated exchange.
Timothy later confronted the soldier over his conduct towards his sister, and the argument escalated.
The eyewitness alleged that the soldier later fired his rifle, fatally wounding the boy.
He added that the suspect initially retreated into the compound before later returning to remove the victim’s body.
The killing reportedly sparked chaos in the community, disrupting New Year celebrations as angry youths vandalised property, including vehicles.
A BMW car belonging to a former Adviser on Political Matters to the Ikot Abasi Local Government Chairman, Uyai Udoiwod, was among those damaged.
Reacting to the incident, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the area, Mboho Ukpum Ete, condemned the killing in strong terms
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In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Patrick Udoma, the group described the incident as “a cowardly and unprofessional act” by a soldier who was expected to protect civilians.
The statement noted that the killing had thrown the victim’s family and the entire clan into mourning, describing the act as an abuse of power by a security operative.
The Ukpum Ete clan has demanded justice and called on relevant authorities to ensure that the soldier involved is identified and punished in accordance with the law.
Confirming the incident, the Army Public Relations Officer overseeing two brigades at Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Captain Lawal Mohammed, said the matter was being investigated by the military police.
“The incident has been taken over by the military police, and investigations are ongoing,” he said.
