Tension has gripped residents of Ikot Abasi following the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Timothy Daniel, an incident that has prompted an official investigation by the Nigerian Army. The tragedy, which unfolded in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2026, has stirred grief and anger among locals in the area.
Military authorities confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Military Police for a full review. According to the spokesperson for the 2 Brigade in Mbiokporo, Captain Lawal Mohamed, appropriate investigative procedures are underway to determine what happened. He emphasized that established protocols would guide the process and that the matter is already being treated with seriousness.
Accounts from witnesses indicate that the teenager and his older sister, Miracle Daniel, were making their way home shortly after attending a crossover service at Mount Zion Full Gospel Church. At approximately five minutes past midnight, events reportedly took a troubling turn along Akongntekong Road in the Ete area.
A community member, Anthony Akpan, explained in an interview with Channels TV that Miracle had briefly stepped across the road close to a residential compound once occupied by Clement Idemudo. The property is said to be guarded and used by foreign workers. According to Akpan’s account, a soldier stationed there allegedly approached Miracle inappropriately. When she resisted and protested loudly, the situation quickly escalated.
Hearing the commotion, Timothy reportedly intervened, leading to a confrontation with the armed personnel. The exchange soon turned heated, and the soldier allegedly discharged his weapon, striking the boy. Witnesses said the teenager collapsed immediately and did not survive the injury. Afterward, the soldier was said to have withdrawn into the secured premises while other uniformed personnel later arrived at the location.
The incident triggered panic across the neighborhood, abruptly halting New Year celebrations and creating unrest. In the aftermath, property damage was also reported, including harm to a vehicle belonging to Uyai Udoiwod, who previously served as an adviser to the Ikot Abasi Local Government Chairman. Residents have since demanded accountability, while authorities continue their investigation to establish responsibility and prevent future occurrences.
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