A community leader in Kwi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, John Bot, has alleged that soldiers stationed less than two miles from his community failed to respond to repeated distress calls during an attack that claimed the lives of more than 25 residents.

Speaking in an interview with conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman, Bot claimed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace, whose base is located near the community, said they could not deploy because their operational vehicles had no fuel. According to him, the attack occurred about two weeks ago when armed assailants, whom he described as Fulani terrorists, invaded the community and began attacking residents.

“It was pathetic and sad that during the invasion of our community by Fulani terrorists, we made frantic calls to soldiers stationed less than two miles away, but they said they could not come because they did not have fuel in their trucks,” Bot alleged.

The community leader said he personally contacted the soldiers but received the same response. He claimed the delay left residents defenseless, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people, including women, children, elderly persons and a pastor.

Bot further alleged that the village head was among the first to alert the military after the attackers invaded the community, but the Unit Commander of Operation Enduring Peace reportedly informed him that the unit’s vehicles could not be deployed due to a lack of fuel.

He also questioned how the troops were later able to mobilise after the attackers had withdrawn.

“But after the attack and the terrorists had safely retreated to their base, the Commander showed up with all his men, trucks, and motorcycles. So I wonder where they suddenly procured the fuel,” he said.

Bot expressed frustration over what he described as the military’s failure to protect the community despite its proximity to the scene of the attack. While stopping short of directly accusing the soldiers of collaborating with the attackers, he claimed the circumstances surrounding their response had raised serious concerns among residents.

“I don’t want to accuse the soldiers of conniving with the terrorists, but all indications point towards such connivance,” he alleged.

Newsworld reports that John Bot’s claims have not been independently verified, and the Nigerian military has not issued any official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report. The account represents the allegations of the community leader.