A Nigerian soldier identified as Muhammad Abdulrauf, popularly known as “Didan Tero,” is battling for his life after he was allegedly mistaken for a bandit and brutally attacked by a mob in Mai Gero community of Kaduna State.
The soldier, a member of the Nigerian Army’s 21NA intake and popularly known within the Jaji military community as a “Barrack Boy,” was initially reported dead following the incident, with several social media posts and local reports claiming he had been killed.
However, a source familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters that Abdulrauf survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
SaharaReporters also obtained disturbing videos showing the soldier being beaten by a crowd as well as footage recorded on Thursday morning showing him lying on a hospital bed in critical condition.
According to the source, residents allegedly attacked the soldier after mistaking him for a member of a notorious bandit gang that has been terrorising communities in the area.
“The residents thought he was a bandit because of the way he dressed. So they said he was among the people who recently kidnapped people in the community,” the source said.
The source explained that fear and tension in the area may have contributed to the mob action.
“If you can remember, there is a popular bandit in Kaduna terrorising the area. His name is Dogo. The bandit was captured by us last year and the news went viral. But this new tragic incident happened on Wednesday,” the source added.
According to the source, Abdulrauf is attached to military operations in Maiduguri, Borno State, and was on leave at the time of the attack.
“He is serving in the North-East in Maiduguri. He is on leave. But we don’t really know what took him to Kaduna State,” the source said.
The source further claimed that the soldier’s appearance may have triggered suspicion among residents.
“The soldier dressed improperly. He wore trousers that looked like the type Boko Haram members wear. That is why when the civilians saw him, they thought he was a bandit and this was why they attempted to kill him,” the source said.
The source dismissed widespread reports that the soldier had died.
“A lot of people think he is dead. Even local news platforms reported he is dead and a lot of posts on social media said the same thing,” the source said.
“But I can confirm to you that he is alive. The soldier was later rushed to the 44 Army Hospital in Kaduna State and he’s still alive.”
