A Nigerian soldier, identified as Muhammad Abdulrauf, has been attacked by a mob in Kaduna State.
Abdulrauf was assaulted by residents of Mai Gero community after he was mistaken for a bandit due to his appearance.
In a video making rounds on social media, it was confirmed that Abdulrauf survived the attack and is currently being treated at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
Videos from the incident showed the soldier being beaten by a crowd, while another video recorded showed him lying on a hospital bed in critical condition.
According to Sahara Reporters, a source said residents attacked Abdulrauf after mistaking him for a member of a notorious bandit group operating in the area.
“The residents thought he was a bandit because of the way he dressed. They believed he was among those responsible for recent kidnappings in the community,” the source said.
The source explained that the security situation in the area may have contributed to the incident, as residents have become increasingly suspicious due to repeated cases of banditry and kidnapping.
Abdulrauf, who is attached to military operations in Maiduguri, Borno State, was reportedly on leave when the attack occurred.
“A lot of people think he is dead because local reports and social media posts said so, but I can confirm that he survived and is currently at the army hospital,” the source said.