By Ado Oyeyemi
A community leader in Kwi District of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, has alleged that soldiers stationed close to the community failed to respond to repeated distress calls during a deadly attack that claimed more than 25 lives.
John Bot, speaking in an interview with conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman, said the troops, attached to Operation Enduring Peace, were contacted immediately armed attackers invaded the community about two weeks ago but reportedly declined to intervene, claiming their operational vehicles had no fuel.
According to Bot, the military base is located less than two miles from the community, making the alleged response even more painful for residents who had hoped for swift intervention.
He said the attackers overran the village unchallenged, killing scores of residents, including women, children, elderly persons and a pastor, while survivors desperately waited for security personnel to arrive.
Bot disclosed that the village head was among the first to alert the soldiers as the assault began, but the commander of the nearby military unit allegedly informed him that the troops could not mobilise because there was no fuel in their vehicles.
He further claimed that after the assailants had withdrawn from the community, the same commander later arrived at the scene with soldiers, patrol vehicles and motorcycles, raising questions among residents about the earlier explanation.
The community leader described the development as deeply troubling, saying many villagers were left devastated by what they considered a failure of those assigned to protect them.
Bot stopped short of directly accusing the military of collaborating with the attackers but said the circumstances surrounding the delayed response had fuelled suspicion among members of the community.
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The allegations come amid growing concerns over recurring attacks on communities in Plateau State and renewed calls for improved security measures to protect vulnerable rural settlements.
