John Bot, a local leader in the Kwi District of Plateau State’s Riyom Local Government Area, has reported that military personnel stationed nearby refused to assist during a deadly attack two weeks ago. Despite being located only two miles from the village, troops assigned to Operation Enduring Peace claimed their vehicles lacked fuel when contacted during the raid by Fulani terrorists.
Bot shared his account with journalist Masara Kim Usman, detailing how the lack of military support left civilians vulnerable. The assailants targeted women, children, and the elderly, resulting in more than 25 deaths, including a local pastor. Bot personally contacted the unit, receiving the same explanation regarding fuel shortages that the village head had been given minutes earlier.
The community was left defenseless as the attackers operated without interference. However, Bot noted that the soldiers arrived shortly after the terrorists had retreated, fully equipped with operational vehicles. While stopped short of explicitly accusing the military of collaboration, Bot expressed deep suspicion regarding the timing and the sudden availability of fuel after the violence had concluded.
