A grieving resident of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State has accused security personnel of abandoning villagers during a deadly attack, alleging that troops were instead deployed to protect cattle belonging to herders.

The woman, who said she lost eight members of her family in the April 9 assault on Mbwelle village in Kwatas district, made the claims in a video circulated on Sunday by conflict journalist, Kim Masara Usman.

Recounting her ordeal, the visibly distressed woman alleged that soldiers under the Operation Ensuring Peace failed to respond to repeated distress calls from residents as suspected armed herders invaded the community.

She stated that the attack, which reportedly lasted for over two hours, occurred despite the proximity of troops stationed less than three kilometres from the village.

According to her, frantic calls were placed by community leaders and youths to the security operatives, urging immediate intervention, but no assistance was forthcoming.

“We pleaded with them to come to our aid, but they refused,” she said, adding that the assailants stormed homes, shooting indiscriminately and killing several residents, including a pregnant woman.

The woman further alleged that after the attackers retreated, a gun truck belonging to Sector 5 of the task force was sighted stationed near a Fulani settlement in Korong, an area she claimed had earlier been overrun and occupied by the same group.

She lamented that while residents were left vulnerable, security operatives appeared to be providing protection in the area where the attackers had withdrawn.

“In the end, we lost over 20 people,” she said, questioning the motive behind the killings and the apparent inaction of the troops.

The allegations come amid rising concerns over persistent violence in parts of Plateau State, particularly in rural communities frequently targeted in clashes involving suspected armed herders.

Authorities are yet to officially respond to the claims as of the time of filing this report.