A family’s New Year celebration turned into an unspeakable tragedy when 13-year-old Timothy Daniel Monday was shot and killed by a soldier attached to Sterling Global Oil in Akwa Ibom State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for justice and military accountability in Nigeria.
What Happened: A Night of Worship Ends in Bloodshed
According to an eyewitness account from the victim’s sister, Miracle Daniel Monday, the family attended a Cross Over Service at Mount Zion Church in Ette, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.
After stepping outside with her siblings during the service, Miracle was accosted by soldiers deployed to protect the facilities of Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Ltd. (Sterling Global). A seemingly minor exchange escalated rapidly when one soldier took offense at her request to wait while she urinated.
The soldier allegedly pushed Miracle to the ground and, when questioned, slapped her and assaulted another sibling. Although another soldier intervened and apologized, the situation turned fatal moments later.
As the children were leaving, gunshots rang out. The same soldier had opened fire, killing Master Timothy Daniel Monday instantly. Descriptions and photos from the scene—too graphic to publish—reportedly show the boy’s skull shattered from the bullet impact.
A Grieving Family Seeks Answers
The Monday family, residents of Port Harcourt who were visiting Akwa Ibom for the holidays, immediately reported the murder to both the Nigerian Army 6 Battalion in Ibagwa and the local police.
Despite these reports, the family claims they have received no contact or visit from Sterling Global, the company whose security detail included the accused soldier. This perceived indifference has added to their anguish.
“No Nigerian should be killed in this manner by those who are supposed to protect them,” the family’s representative stated. “The pain this family has been subjected to is unimaginable.”
A Nation Weary of Impunity
This case highlights ongoing issues of trigger-happy military personnel and the culture of impunity that often surrounds them. It also raises serious questions about the rules of engagement and oversight of soldiers assigned to corporate entities.
As the investigation unfolds, the public demand is clear: justice for Timothy Daniel Monday must be swift, visible, and meaningful. His family, and the nation, await action from those in power to uphold the sanctity of human life and the rule of law.
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