John Bot, a community leader from Kwi District in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, has alleged that soldiers stationed near his community failed to respond to a deadly attack because their operational vehicles had no fuel.
According to Daily Post on Friday, July 24, 2026, Bot made the claims during an interview with conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman. He alleged that suspected Fulani terrorists attacked the community about two weeks ago, killing more than 25 people, including women, children, elderly residents and a pastor.
Bot said the village head immediately contacted troops attached to Operation Enduring Peace, whose base was located less than two miles from the community. However, he claimed the unit commander said the soldiers could not respond because their trucks lacked fuel.
“Our village head was the first person to call the soldiers for help… but the Unit Commander of Operation Enduring Peace… told him his trucks had no fuel, and he couldn’t come,” Bot said.
He further alleged that after the attackers had left, the same commander later arrived with soldiers, trucks and motorcycles, raising questions among residents about how the vehicles became operational. While stopping short of accusing the military of collusion, Bot said the circumstances had fueled suspicion within the community, which is seeking answers and justice for the victims.
