The joy of New Year celebrations turned to mourning in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, after a 13-year-old boy, Timothy Daniel, was reportedly shot dead by a soldier in the early hours of January 1, 2026.
The incident occurred along Akongntekong Road, Ete, plunging the Ukpum Ete community into grief.
Daniel, a junior secondary school student, was returning from a crossover service at Mount Zion Full Gospel Church with his 15-year-old sister, Miracle, and other worshippers when the shooting took place. The church is adjacent to 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.
According to eyewitness Anthony Akpan, the incident began when Miracle briefly crossed the road near the church premises and was allegedly harassed by a soldier on duty. “She protested when he touched her and cursed him,” Akpan said. “The soldier became angry and threatened her.” Daniel, waiting for his sister on the opposite side of the road, reportedly intervened after hearing her cries. Witnesses said the teenager confronted the soldier, leading to a heated exchange, after which the soldier allegedly fired his rifle, fatally striking Daniel.
The gunfire sent worshippers fleeing in panic, and property in the area was damaged, including a BMW belonging to Obong Uyai Udoiwod, a former political adviser to the Ikot Abasi Local Council chairman.
The socio-cultural organisation of the area, Mboho Ukpum Ete, condemned the killing, describing it as “unacceptable” and demanding justice. In a statement, the group said, “This act has thrown the entire clan into mourning, and we insist that the perpetrator be identified and punished in accordance with the law.”
Captain Lawal Bala Mohamed, Army Public Relations Officer of 2 Brigade, Mbiokporo, confirmed the incident, stating that the Military Police have taken over the investigation. He assured the public that the Nigerian Army does not condone misconduct by its personnel and that justice would be served.
