A violent altercation over a payment dispute has left a shoe seller, Abdulrahman Salisu, seriously injured after a soldier identified as Sudik attacked him with a cutlass, severing three of his fingers. The shocking incident took place on Sallah day near the Obasanjo Shopping Complex in Minna, Niger State.
According to Abdulrahman, the incident occurred when Sudik visited his shop located close to Jolly Bread, a well-known distribution center in Minna. The soldier had been looking to buy a pair of shoes and after the transaction, he claimed to have made payment via bank transfer. However, Abdulrahman told him that he had not yet received the payment alert, leading to an argument between the two.
The situation quickly escalated when Sudik, seemingly frustrated by Abdulrahman’s insistence that the payment had not been received, pulled out a cutlass and swung it at the shoe seller. In an attempt to defend himself, Abdulrahman raised his left hand to block the strike, but the soldier’s blow landed, severing three of his fingers.
As Abdulrahman screamed in pain and called for help, Sudik, along with two companions, fled the scene. Abdulrahman, severely injured, managed to make his way to the nearest police station to report the incident.
The brutal nature of the attack left Abdulrahman in critical condition. He was rushed to the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, where he is currently receiving medical treatment. His injuries are severe, and the loss of his fingers is a traumatic experience for the victim, both physically and emotionally.
Following the incident, security agencies acted quickly and arrested Sudik. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the soldier’s background, but sources suggest that he is a member of the Nigerian Army stationed in Minna. The involvement of a soldier in such a violent attack has raised serious concerns, with many questioning the level of discipline within the military ranks and the potential consequences for the soldier involved.
This incident has highlighted growing concerns about security in Minna, particularly in the area around Jolly Bread, Mobil Roundabout, and Obasanjo Shopping Complex, which are well-known business hubs in the city. Traders and shop owners in these areas have voiced alarm over the rising cases of thuggery and armed robbery, with some even linking the increase in criminal activities to the presence of suspected thugs who operate freely in the region.
Jolly Bread, a prominent distribution center for newspapers in Minna, has become a hotspot for these crimes, making it difficult for sales representatives, agents, and newspaper vendors to operate without fear. Many of these workers have expressed their concerns about their safety, particularly with the growing number of armed robbery incidents and violent attacks, such as the one involving Abdulrahman.
Local business owners are calling on the Niger State Government to improve security measures in these areas, urging the government to take action to prevent further violence and criminal activity. The constant fear experienced by traders and residents in the area is affecting their livelihoods, as they fear for their lives every time they leave their homes or open their businesses.
In the wake of this incident, there has been a growing demand for stricter security measures to combat the rising violence in Minna. The involvement of a soldier in such a brutal attack on a civilian has particularly alarmed the public, prompting questions about the conduct of military personnel and the need for better oversight within the armed forces. This case has also drawn attention to the larger issue of insecurity in the region, as locals feel increasingly vulnerable to violence and criminal activities.
Abdulrahman’s case has also raised concerns about the ease with which individuals can resort to violence when disputes arise, especially in situations where they hold a position of power or authority. It underscores the importance of maintaining law and order and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their status or occupation, are held accountable for their actions.
The attack has left the community shaken, as many people express disbelief that such a violent act could occur in broad daylight, especially involving a soldier. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of ordinary citizens who often find themselves at the mercy of individuals who can easily resort to violence without fear of consequences.
In addition to the physical pain Abdulrahman is enduring, the incident has caused emotional trauma, particularly given the nature of the attack. Losing fingers is not only a painful injury but can also affect Abdulrahman’s ability to continue his work as a shoe seller. His livelihood, which relies on his ability to handle shoes and interact with customers, may be severely impacted by this attack.
The incident also raises broader concerns about security in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas where incidents of violence and robbery have been increasing in recent years. This attack is a stark reminder that no one is immune to the rising tide of insecurity, and citizens often find themselves vulnerable to the actions of others, whether they are criminals or individuals in positions of power.
For many Nigerians, this attack serves as a chilling example of the dangers that ordinary people face on a daily basis. It also highlights the importance of a more comprehensive approach to tackling security issues in the country, which must involve both increased law enforcement efforts and a stronger commitment to ensuring that individuals in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.
