A Nigerian soldier, identified as Sudik, has been taken into custody for allegedly severing the fingers of a shoe vendor, Abdulrahman Salisu, following a dispute over payment on Sallah day.
The incident reportedly took place at Abdulrahman’s shop near Jolly Bread, close to the Obasanjo Shopping Complex in Minna, Niger State.
According to Abdulrahman, Sudik visited his shop to buy a pair of shoes and claimed to have completed the payment via bank transfer. However, the vendor insisted he had not received a transaction alert.
The disagreement quickly turned violent when Sudik, in a fit of rage, drew a cutlass and swung it at Abdulrahman’s head while demanding his money. In an attempt to defend himself, Abdulrahman raised his left hand, which resulted in the amputation of three of his fingers.
As he cried out for help, Sudik and two others who had accompanied him fled the scene. The matter was promptly reported to the police, leading to Sudik’s arrest by security forces.
Meanwhile, Abdulrahman is currently receiving medical attention at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna.
This violent attack has intensified security concerns among business owners and traders in the vicinity, particularly those at Mobil Roundabout, Jolly Bread, and the Obasanjo Shopping Complex. Many traders have voiced fears over the growing prevalence of thuggery and armed robbery, which pose significant risks to their businesses.
Jolly Bread, a key newspaper distribution hub in Minna, has also been affected by security challenges. Newspaper vendors, sales agents, and representatives have expressed worries over recurrent attacks by suspected criminals operating at all hours.
Concerned traders are urging the Niger State government to strengthen security measures to curb rising threats, emphasizing that they live in constant fear while conducting their daily activities.
