- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Army has commenced probe into the death of a 13-year-old boy allegedly murdered by a soldier in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State
NPO earlier Reported that the teenager, identified as Timothy Monday, was shot dead on New Year Day by one of the soldiers attached to the Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd.
The incident occurred along Akongntekong Road, Ete, following a clash between the soldier and Timothy’s sister, Miracle Monday.
Miracle, in a statement issued on Tuesday by Human Rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, recounted how she and her siblings were accosted by the soldier and his colleagues on their way back from a cross over service at Mount Zion Full Gospel Church.
The 26-year-old sister of the deceased said she had told soldiers to excuse her she stopped by the roadside to urinate.
Her statement appeared to have angered the soldier who alleged killed Timothy as he assaulted Miracle before being restrained by his colleagues.
He however appeared unsatisfied with his colleague’s intervention as he opened fire at Timothy as the siblings were about to leave.
In reaction, the Army Public Relations Officer, 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 already under investigation. Due process would be followed”. He assured
Meanwhile, an eyewitness, Anthony Akpan, disclosed that incident started after the soldier who killed Timothy made inappropriate advances at Miracle while she went to urinate.
The girl had reportedly resisted and protested against the advances.
This had allegedly infuriated the soldier who became aggressive and threatened her.
Meanwhile, Timothy, who was waiting nearby, was reported to have confronted the soldier over the alleged harassment of his sister, leading to a heated exchange.
The escalation of the confrontation led to the soldier firing his rifle and hitting the teenager.
Timothy was said to have died on the spot, after which the soldier reportedly retreated into the compound while other security personnel later removed the body.
“The shooting triggered panic and unrest in the area, disrupting New Year celebrations. Even a vehicle belonging to a former political adviser to the Ikot Abasi Local Government Chairman, Obong Uyai Udoiwod, was damaged during the ensuing commotion,” the eyewitness said.