Religion - Abia ThinkTank News

Feb

2026

NNPP Rejects US Bill Seeking Sanctions On Kwankwaso Over Alleged Religious Violations

News Flash, Politics, Religion, Security

NNPP Rejects US Bill Seeking Sanctions On Kwankwaso Over Alleged Religious Violations The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has condemned a bill before the United States congress seeking to impose sanctions on Rabiu Kwankwaso, its national leader, for alleged “severe religious freedom violations”. On Tuesday, five US lawmakers introduced a bill in the country’s house of representatives to compel the secretary of state to submit a “comprehensive report on US efforts to address the ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. If the proposed legislation becomes law, the Departments of State and Treasury are expected to impose sanctions, including…

Feb

2026

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By Abia ThinkTank

Gunmen Kidnap Nine Worshippers During Church Vigil In Benue

Crime, News Flash, Religion, Security

Gunmen Kidnap Nine Worshippers During Church Vigil In Benue The Benue State police command has confirmed the abduction of nine worshippers at Saint John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in the Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area of the state. The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Sunday night while attending a vigil on the church premises, as gunmen stormed the area and whisked them away. Udeme Edet, the police spokesperson for the Benue police command, confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday, saying the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, had deployed tactical units to rescue the abducted worshippers. According to Ms…

Feb

2026

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By Abia ThinkTank

Bandits Kidnap Catholic Priest, 10 Others, Kill 3 In Fresh Kaduna Attack

News Flash, Northern Nigeria, Religion

Bandits Kidnap Catholic Priest, 10 Others, Kill Three In Fresh Kaduna Attack Again, terrorists in Kaduna State have abducted a Catholic priest and 10 other residents while killing three persons during an attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area. The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, who was reportedly taken alongside the other victims in the early hours of Saturday. In a statement, the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for prayers for the victims. “Dear…

Feb

2026

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By Abia ThinkTank

‘Very Respected Woman’, Trump Praises Remi Tinubu At US Prayer Breakfast

Foreign Affairs, International, News Flash, Religion

‘Very Respected Woman’, Trump Praises Remi Tinubu At US Prayer Breakfast U.S. President Donald Trump has praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a “very respected woman” during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C on Thursday. Trump made the remarks while addressing participants at the faith-based gathering, which was attended by political and civic leaders from across the world. His comments highlighted Mrs Tinubu’s influence and stature, drawing applause from the audience. In his address, Trump recognised the Nigerian First Lady’s role as a pastor in one of Nigeria’s largest churches and referenced her pastoral background.…

Feb

2026

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By Abia ThinkTank

Catholic Priest Burnt Alive Inside His Car By Armed Bandits In Taraba

Crime, Northern Nigeria, Religion

Catholic Priest Burnt Alive Inside His Car By Armed Bandits In Taraba Rev. Fr. David Tanko, who was ordained a Catholic priest in 2008 for the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo in Northeastern Nigeria, was burned alive by armed bandits together with his vehicle. This horrific attack took place in Kufai Amadu, Takum, Taraba State. He body was burnt beyond recognition. According to reports, the priest was on his way to a meeting to mediate and reconcile the Tiv and Jukun tribes when he was attacked. The residents who witnessed the ugly incident described his death as a martyr of the…

Jan

2026

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By Abia ThinkTank

177 Names Of Kidnapped Kaduna Christian Worshippers Revealed (Full List)

Crime, Religion

177 Names Of Kidnapped Kaduna Christian Worshippers Revealed(Full List) The identities of 177 worshippers abducted from churches in Kaduna State have emerged. Gunmen attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, during Sunday service. Worshippers were taken from ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Church (Churches 1 and 2). Residents said more than 100 people were abducted in what they described as a coordinated attack. The incident occurred barely a week after the community reportedly paid ₦2.6 million to secure the release of 20 residents who had been kidnapped earlier, raising fresh concerns among locals. On Monday,…

Jan

2026

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By Abia ThinkTank

Police Make U-Turn, Admit Over 100 Churchgoers Were Kidnapped In Kaduna

Crime, Police Force, Religion

Police Make U-turn, Admit Over 100 Churchgoers Were Kidnapped In Kaduna The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the abduction of over 100 worshippers in the Kurmin Wali community in the Kajuru LGA of Kaduna state, 24 hours after denying the report. On Sunday, gunmen attacked three churches in the community and whisked away about 167 However, on Monday, the Kaduna police command dismissed the report as a falsehood spread by “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to disrupt the state’s relative peace. Speaking during a press briefing in Kaduna, Muhammad Rabiu, the state’s commissioner of police, challenged those spreading the reports to…

Jan

2026

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By Abia ThinkTank

Lagos Based Wave Making Pentecostal Evangelist Pastor Ezinne Onwuaka Releases Gospel Album Titled Praise Him

Arts And Culture, News Flash, Religion

Praise Him by Ezinne Onwuaka is a heartfelt gospel song that celebrates the goodness and faithfulness of God, the same God who has graciously ushered us into a new year. With rich melodies and a spirit-lifting sound, Praise Him is a call to gratitude. It reminds us to pause, reflect, and give thanks, not because of what we want God to do next, but because of all He has already done. The song carries a simple yet powerful message: sometimes, the highest form of prayer is praise. This soul-stirring release encourages listeners to lay aside requests and worries and instead…

Dec

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Police Arrest Doris Ogala During Facebook Live Amid Faceoff With Pastor Chris Okafor

News Flash, Love & Life, Police Force, Religion

Police Arrest Doris Ogala During Facebook Live Amid Faceoff With Pastor Chris Okafor The Nigeria Police Force have reportedly arrested Actress Doris Ogala amid online feud with Lagos-based Pastor, Chris Okafor. In a video sighted by AttNews correspondent, the actress was on Facebook live with a streamer, Real Talk With Aunty Adunni. Though, the Lagos police command is yet to issue any statement on the incident, but the case may be connected to an ongoing drama between her and Pastor Okafor. AttNews earlier reported that Ogala issued a formal legal demand to the founder of the Mountain of Liberation and…

Dec

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

US To Impose Visa Restrictions On Nigerians Responsible For Christian Genocide

Foreign Affairs, News Flash, Religion, Security

US To Impose Visa Restrictions On Nigerians Responsible For Christian Genocide The US government has introduced a new policy which allows it to impose a visa ban on people considered responsible for the attack on Nigerian Christians. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the US State Department said the policy allows it to deny visas to those who have directed, authorised, supported, participated in, or carried out abuses targeting people based on faith. The US government said the policy was being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Through the new policy, family members of affected persons…