The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has strongly condemned the recent attacks on five communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left at least 50 people dead, many injured, and others missing.
In a statement issued Monday in Abuja, Chairman of the Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, described the killings as a tragic reminder of the insecurity plaguing parts of the country and called for immediate national action.
“The death toll, which has risen to about 50, with many more injured and missing does not represent the values we stand for as a nation. This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the insecurity that has plagued some parts of our country, and we cannot afford to let it become the new norm,” the statement read.
The forum extended condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Plateau State, and the state government.
“We wish to commiserate with the families of the victims, the Plateau State Government, and the people of Plateau State over this tragic incident,” it stated.
The senators also commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for his proactive efforts to restore peace and prevent retaliatory violence between ethnic groups.
“His leadership is a beacon of hope in these trying times, and we urge him to continue on this path,” the Forum continued.
Reaffirming its dedication to enhancing national security, the forum expressed its readiness to collaborate with both federal authorities and security agencies to develop a sustainable framework to protect lives and property across the North and beyond.
The forum also renewed its commitment to working with the government and security agencies to develop a robust security framework that protects the lives and property of our citizens. “We cannot afford to fail in this endeavor,” the forum added.
Calling on all Nigerians to unite against the forces threatening national peace, the forum said the attack should serve as a wake-up call.
“We must come together to build a safer, more secure future for ourselves and future generations. We owe it to the victims of these senseless attacks to act decisively and ensure that such incidents do not recur,” the senators said.
The forum concluded with thoughts and prayers for the grieving families, urging them to find strength during this period of mourning.
“May the bereaved families find comfort during this mourning period,” it said.
Yusuf Abdullahi Itas, a member of the Bauchi State House of Assembly representing Itas/Gadau State Constituency, has withdrawn from the 2027 general election. Itas, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), announced his decision in a letter dated October 5, 2026, addressed to the party’s state chairman.
In the letter titled, “Withdrawal of Candidature for the Itas/Gadau State Constituency Seat in the Bauchi State House of Assembly,” the lawmaker formally informed the party that he would no longer contest the seat in the 2027 election.
He described his decision as “entirely voluntary and personal”.
He thanked the APM leadership and its members for giving him the opportunity to represent the party.
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Itas also expressed appreciation to residents of the constituency for their encouragement and support during his time in office.
The lawmaker is the Chairman of the House Committee on Petitions and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
His withdrawal comes less than three weeks after the Bauchi Assembly Chief Whip, Musa Wakili Nakwada, also announced that he would not contest the 2027 elections.
Welcome to Jos Ghetto Stories — a new Jos Events series created to tell the stories that are often overlooked, but should never be forgotten.
From the narrow streets of Gangare, Nasarawa, Angwan Rogo, Jenta-Adamu, Congo-Russia, Tudun Wada, Katako, Dadin Kowa, Bukuru and other communities across Jos, there are children growing up surrounded by challenges many of us may never fully understand.
Some wake up without knowing where their next meal will come from.
Some go to school with torn shoes.
Some live in crowded homes, struggle to afford basic needs, or watch their parents battle every day just to keep the family going.
And some are already beginning to believe that because they were born into hardship, hardship is all life has to offer them.
But we are here to tell them something different.
YOU CAN STILL BECOME GREAT.
Your address does not determine your destiny.
The street you grew up on does not decide the height you can reach.
Poverty may be part of your story, but it does not have to be the final chapter.
Look at Jos.
This city has produced and nurtured people who have gone on to make their mark far beyond the streets where their journeys began.
John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa went from Jos to becoming aome of Nigeria’s most recognisable footballers, they all grew up from the Ghetto streets of Jos and made it in life through football to the point of representing Nigeria at the highest level.
Jeremiah Gyang, M.I Abaga and Ice Prince carried the sound and creativity of Jos into the Nigerian music industry and beyond.
P-Square and 2Baba are among the major names whose stories are connected to Jos.
Saint Obi,Dayo Okeniyi took their journey from Jos into international acting, while filmmakers Dimbo Atiya and Kenneth Gyang, have used film to tell stories that travel far beyond home.
And there are many more whose names may not yet be famous—but whose stories prove that greatness can rise from ordinary beginnings. 
So when we walk through the streets of Jos and meet these children, we are not looking at “ghetto children.”
We are looking at future doctors, engineers, footballers, musicians, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, teachers, leaders, creatives and nation builders.
We are looking at potential.
We are looking at dreams waiting for an opportunity.
Because sometimes, all a child needs is somebody to look them in the eyes and say:
“I believe in you.”
That is what Jos Ghetto Stories is about.
We will tell the stories of the streets.
We will show the struggles.
We will celebrate the talent.
We will listen to the dreams.
And most importantly, we will remind every young person watching that you can become the best version of yourself, regardless of where you started.
Your parents may not have everything.
Your environment may not be perfect.
You may not have the opportunities others have.
But never allow your circumstances to convince you that you cannot become somebody.
The world may see a child from the slum.
We see a future star.
The world may see a difficult beginning.
We see a story waiting to become extraordinary.
This is Jos Ghetto Stories.
Stories from the streets.
Stories of struggle.
Stories of hope.
Stories of talent.
Stories of resilience.
Stories of people who refuse to let their circumstances define them.
Because from the streets of Jos, greatness can rise.
And perhaps, the next great story is the child standing beside you.