Soldier stabs trader to death in Kaduna

A yet-to-be identified soldier has been attacked by an angry mob for stabbing a trader, one Yusuf, popularly known as Tino, to death at Sheiekh Abubakar Gumi Central Market in Kaduna State. The horrific incident has however forced traders in the market to close down their shops abruptly for fear of reprisals.

Yusuf, aged 30, was said to be selling shoes in the market before his demise. According to an eyewitness, Saadu Lawal, trouble stated brewing at the entrance of the market when the deceased approach two soldiers, begging them to buy shoes from him.

“We didn’t know what transpired between the three of them. We noticed all of a sudden that the solder drew out a knife and stabbed the boy first in the stomach, remove the knife again and stabbed him at the left side of his chest. There was blood spilling all over.”

Lawal said sympathizers immediately chased after the two soldiers and managed to apprehend the one who stabbed the man. “He was seriously injured but managed to escape as well,” Lawal said.

Another source (name withheld) said Yusuf was known for aggressive marketing and his approach might have escalated matters and angered the soldiers.

Meanwhile, when contacted to confirm whether the soldiers involved in the incident have been identified, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kaduna State command, DSP Yakubu Sabo, did not pick or returned calls made to his phone as at press time yesterday.