Five military vehicles razed as angry youths protest activist’s death in Akwa Ibom

Youths in Akwa Ibom State have set fire to five military vehicles in retaliation for the killing of a youth activist by a soldier.

The violent protest erupted in the early hours of Wednesday in Ete, a coastal oil-rich community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area.

According to eyewitnesses, soldiers attached to Sterling Global, an oil firm, were chasing a diesel-laden truck, allegedly for extortion, when a confrontation ensued between them and some youths. The situation escalated when one of the soldiers opened fire, killing a youth activist on the spot.

The enraged youths responded by blocking the Ete-Ikot Abasi section of the East-West Road for several hours, leaving travelers stranded. In their protest, they set ablaze five military vehicles, including a bus and a Hilux van, demanding an end to military harassment in their community.

Military sources from the 2 Brigade headquarters in Uyo confirmed the incident, stating that the situation is now under control. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, also verified the development, noting that the soldier involved has been hospitalized, while the victim’s body has been taken to the morgue as investigations continue.