Army Investigating Killing Of Boy In Shooting By Soldier In Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Army says it is investigating the fatal shooting of a teenage boy in Akwa Ibom State, following an incident in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The shooting allegedly involved a soldier attached to a private facility in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

According to witnesses, the incident occurred shortly after midnight on January the first, as residents were returning from a crossover church service in the Ete community of Ikot Abasi.

The victim, identified locally as thirteen-year-old Timothy Daniel, was said to be walking home with his fifteen-year-old sister and others from Mount Zion Full Gospel Church.

A member of the community, who says he witnessed the incident, told reporters that an argument broke out between the teenager and a soldier guarding a nearby residence housing expatriate workers.

The witness alleges the dispute followed an encounter between the soldier and the girl, which the family described as inappropriate.

Moments later, the soldier is accused of opening fire, killing the boy at the scene.

The shooting sparked panic in the neighbourhood, disrupting New Year celebrations and drawing crowds to the area.

Residents say tensions rose as news of the boy’s death spread, leading to damage to property before calm was restored.

The community group in Mboho Ukpum Ete has described the killing as unacceptable and is calling for justice and accountability.

In a statement, its leaders demanded that those responsible be punished in accordance with the law.

Nigerian Army has confirmed the incident.

In a statement, the Army’s Public Relations Officer for the Second Brigade in Akwa Ibom, Captain Lawal Bala Mohammed, said the matter is being handled by the military police and remains under investigation.

The Army has not released further details, and it remains unclear whether the soldier involved has been detained.

For now, residents of the community say they are struggling to come to terms with the loss , as TVC News follows up to establish exactly what happened in the early hours of the new year.