At least 20 people have been killed and many others injured after gunmen, suspected to be Fulani militias, invaded Bindi community in Ta-Hoss district of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday night.

According to a statement by the Riyom chapter of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness when residents had settled in for the night. They went from house to house, slaughtering innocent people — including women, children, and the elderly who couldn’t run to safety.

Survivors identified the assailants as heavily armed Fulani extremists. Many homes were also set ablaze, forcing scores of families to flee into the bush with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

“This assault happened despite the presence of security forces and armored military vehicles in the area,” COPDEM said in its statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Gideon Manjal, and Publicity Secretary, Gadu Daniel Dong.

The group expressed deep frustration that the attackers’ hideouts have been well-known and repeatedly reported to authorities, yet these deadly invasions keep occurring without any decisive action.

“This is not just a failure of protection — it raises serious concerns about inaction and systemic negligence,” the statement added.

COPDEM called on President Bola Tinubu, the Plateau State government, and security agencies to launch a full-scale military operation to flush out the identified terrorist camps. They also demanded a state of emergency, direct humanitarian aid, support to rebuild destroyed communities, and help for those traumatised by these relentless attacks.

The group condemned what they described as endless condolence visits and empty press statements that rarely translate into real security for the people.

“Our people are being buried daily. We are tired of sympathy without action. The communities of Ta-Hoss, Jol, Rim, Bachi, Wereng, Nding and others deserve more than just words. They deserve security, dignity, and justice,” they declared.

As the attacks continue, many Plateau residents live in constant fear, hoping that authorities will finally take the concrete steps needed to stop the bloodshed.