Fresh controversy has emerged from the recent killings in Plateau State, as a survivor of the April 9 attack in Mbwelle village has accused security forces of abandoning residents during the deadly assault.
The woman, who lost eight members of her family, claimed that soldiers deployed to the area failed to respond to distress calls while the attack lasted for hours.
The incident occurred in Mbwelle village, located in Kwatas district of Bokkos Local Government Area. The attackers, suspected to be Fulani militia, reportedly stormed the community at night, opening fire on residents and causing widespread panic. Several homes were also affected during the invasion, leaving many families displaced.
According to the grieving woman, help never came despite repeated calls to nearby troops. She said residents had hoped that soldiers under the Operation Ensuring Peace task force would intervene quickly, given their proximity to the village.
“When the Fulani killers came to our village that night and started shooting at the people, our youths and elders called the soldiers who were stationed less than three kilometers away.
“We pleaded with them to come to our aid but they refused to come,” she said.
The survivor described how the attack went on for over two hours without any form of military intervention. She said the assailants moved from house to house, killing and destroying properties, while residents tried to escape or hide.
“The Fulani killers were shouting “Allah Akbar” and shooting at our people for more than two hours but the soldiers did not come. They came into our house and killed eight of my family members including my brother’s wife who was pregnant.
“How wicked could they be? They killed my father, my brothers, and my young nephews. What did these people do to them to deserve such a death?”
She added that more than 20 people were killed in the attack, leaving the community in mourning and fear. Many survivors are now said to be taking refuge in nearby villages, unsure of when it will be safe to return.
The woman further alleged that after the attackers fled, disturbing discoveries were made by members of the community. According to her, the attackers retreated to a nearby settlement known as Korong, which had earlier been taken over after previous displacements.
“In the end, we lost over 20 people. When the Fulani killers left, we discovered that they ran to Korong, one of the villages that they had earlier chased the people away from and forcibly occupied.
“As if that was not enough, we later realized that the soldiers had stationed their gun truck in front of Korong thereby providing security for the Fulani people while leaving innocent people open to attack,” the woman lamented.
Her claims have sparked outrage among residents and observers, with many questioning the role of security forces in the troubled region. Community leaders have called for an independent investigation into the incident, insisting that those responsible for any negligence must be held accountable.
Efforts to get an official response from military authorities were still ongoing as of the time of filing this report. However, security agencies have in the past maintained that they remain committed to protecting lives and property in Plateau State.
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