The incident occurred shortly after midnight along Akongntekong Road, Ete. The tragedy has plunged the Ukpum Ete community into mourning and renewed the national debate over the conduct of armed security personnel attached to private facilities. Moments later, the soldier allegedly fired his rifle, hitting the 13-year-old boy, who collapsed and died at the scene. The socio-cultural organisation of the area, Mboho Ukpum Ete, has condemned the killing in strong terms. “The President General of Mboho Ukpum Ete expresses deep dissatisfaction over the unprofessional conduct of the army personnel attached to Sterling Petrochemical,” the statement read.

Source: The Guardian January 05, 2026 23:24 UTC