A Nigerian soldier, who has been identified as Sudik, has been arrested for severing the fingers of a shoe seller, Abdulrahman Salisu, after a payment dispute on Sallah day.
It was gathered that the violent attack occurred at Abdulrahman’s shop near Jolly Bread, close to the Obasanjo Shopping Complex in Minna, Niger State.
According to the victim, the soldier approached his shop to purchase a pair of shoes and claimed to have made payment via bank transfer.
However, Abdulrahman insisted he had not yet received a payment alert.
The disagreement quickly escalated when Sudik, in a fit of rage, drew a cutlass and swung it at Abdulrahman’s head, demanding his money.
In a desperate bid to protect himself, Abdulrahman raised his left hand, resulting in three of his fingers being severed.
As he screamed for help, Sudik and two accomplices who had accompanied him fled the scene.
However, the incident was promptly reported to the police, and security authorities have since arrested Sudik.
Meanwhile, Abdulrahman is currently receiving medical treatment at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna.
The attack has heightened security concerns among traders and shop owners in the area, including those at Mobil Roundabout, Jolly Bread, and the Obasanjo Shopping Complex.
Many have lamented the increasing incidents of thuggery and armed robbery, which have put their businesses at risk.
Jolly Bread, a major newspaper distribution hub in Minna, has also been affected by these security challenges, with sales representatives, agents, and newspaper vendors expressing fears over attacks by suspected criminals operating at all hours.
Traders have called on the Niger State government to intensify security efforts to curb the rising threats, stating that they live in constant fear while carrying out their daily activities.
