Plateau Community Leader Alleges Soldiers Failed To Respond To Terror Attack Over Fuel Shortage

Claims over 25 residents were killed after troops reportedly said operational vehicles had no fuel; military yet to respond

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 distress calls during a deadly terrorist attack that reportedly claimed more than 25 lives.

According to Bot, the soldiers, deployed under Operation Enduring Peace, allegedly informed residents that they were unable to mobilise because their operational vehicles had no fuel.

The attack reportedly occurred about two weeks ago when armed assailants invaded the community, killing residents and destroying lives before withdrawing.

Speaking during an interview with conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman, Bot said he personally contacted the soldiers for emergency assistance but was given the same explanation.

He alleged that the delay left the community vulnerable, resulting in the deaths of women, children, elderly residents and a pastor.

“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 said.

“I personally called the team myself but got the same response. They refused to come, leaving us at the mercy of the terrorists who ended up killing 25 people, including a pastor, women, children and elderly people.”

Bot further claimed that the village head was among the first to alert the military immediately the attack began.

According to him, the commander of the nearby Operation Enduring Peace unit reportedly informed the traditional ruler that the troops could not deploy because their vehicles lacked fuel.

‘Commander Arrived After Attack Ended’

The community leader also alleged that the same military commander later arrived at the scene with personnel, trucks and motorcycles after the attackers had already retreated.

He questioned how the troops were able to mobilise after the incident despite reportedly claiming they had no fuel during the emergency.

“Our village head was the first person to call the soldiers for help in the first minutes of the invasion, but the Unit Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, whose base is just outside the village, told him his trucks had no fuel and he couldn’t come,” Bot alleged.

“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.”

Bot expressed disappointment over what he described as the security forces’ inability to protect residents despite their proximity to the attacked community.

He argued that the delayed response enabled the attackers to operate without resistance, resulting in significant loss of lives.

While stopping short of directly accusing security personnel of collaborating with the attackers, Bot said the circumstances surrounding the incident had raised serious concerns within the community.

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

As of the time of filing this report, the allegations have not been independently verified, and the Nigerian military has not issued an official statement responding to the claims.

AIV NEWS will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more official information becomes available.