A 13-year-old student, Timothy Daniel Monday, was reportedly shot dead by a soldier attached to Sterling Global during a New Year’s Day incident in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong revealed that the tragedy occurred on January 1, 2026, following a confrontation between soldiers on duty and Timothy’s siblings outside Mount Zion Church, where the family had attended a crossover service.
According to eyewitness accounts, including Timothy’s sister, Miracle Daniel Monday, the siblings had stepped outside the church briefly when they were accosted by soldiers deployed to protect Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd. (Sterling Global). Miracle reportedly asked a soldier to wait while she finished, but the soldier became enraged, pushed her to the ground, slapped her, and assaulted another sibling.
Another soldier intervened and apologized, asking them to leave. Moments later, gunshots were fired, killing Master Timothy Daniel Monday instantly. Reports indicate the boy’s injuries were severe and fatal.
The family has since reported the incident to the Nigerian Army, 6 Battalion Wellington Basi Barracks, Ibagwa, as well as to the police.
Effiong has called on the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff, General Officer Commanding of 6 Battalion, and the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure a thorough investigation, prosecution of the alleged soldier, and adequate compensation for the family. He also criticized Sterling Global for failing to contact the grieving family.
Effiong emphasized that, under Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution, every Nigerian has a right to life, and no one should be deprived of this right except in accordance with the law.
“No Nigerian should be killed in this manner by those who are supposed to protect them. The pain that this family has been subjected to is unimaginable,” Effiong said.
The case has drawn attention to concerns over accountability for security personnel deployed by private companies, and the need for prompt justice in incidents involving civilian casualties.
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Published by Ejoh Caleb
