Hobnob News Nigeria

02/01/2026

Another Deadly Attack Hits Plateau on New Year’s Eve, Victims Buried in Mass Grave

Another wave of violence struck Plateau State on the eve of the New Year, as scores of residents were killed during an attack on communities in the state on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, plunging families into mourning just hours before celebrations marking the end of the year.

The victims were laid to rest in a mass burial on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, at Bum Community in Plateau State, amid tears, grief and heightened security concerns. Community leaders said the burial was carried out collectively due to the number of casualties and the emotional strain on affected families.

Eyewitnesses and local sources described the atmosphere in Bum as sombre, with residents lamenting the recurring cycle of violence that has continued to claim lives in parts of Plateau State. Many displaced persons were seen seeking refuge in neighboring communities, while survivors called for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed.

Religious leaders and community members used the occasion to offer prayers for the victims and for Christians across Nigeria, who they say have continued to bear the brunt of repeated attacks in several regions of the country. Some speakers at the burial expressed the belief that divine intervention remains paramount, while also calling on global leaders, including United States President Donald J. Trump and his allies, to lend their voices to the plight of persecuted Christians in Nigeria.

“Only God can truly bring lasting peace, but the international community must not look away,” one cleric said during prayers at the burial ground, urging continued prayers and advocacy for vulnerable Christian communities nationwide.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to release an official statement on the New Year’s Eve killings. Residents, however, are appealing to both state and federal authorities to step up security measures, ensure justice for the victims, and restore confidence among communities living under constant fear.

The tragedy has once again cast a shadow over New Year celebrations in Plateau State, reinforcing calls for sustained prayers, unity, and decisive action to end the cycle of violence in Nigeria.

02/01/2026

Nigerian Army Dismisses Claims of Denied Entitlements, Extortion by Troops in Ogun

The Nigerian Army has rejected claims circulating in a viral video alleging that troops deployed under Operation MESA in Ogun State were denied their

02/01/2026

President Tinubu Congratulates Benue Politician Mathias Byuan on Birthday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated a respected administrator and illustrious son of Benue State, Mr. Mathias Terwase Byuan, on the occasion of his

02/01/2026

FG Commits to Increased Investment in Renewable Energy in 2026 — ECN DG

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to significantly increase investment in renewable energy in 2026, as part of efforts to consolidate

02/01/2026

Taraba Declares Karim-Lamido Special Security Area Amid Rising Violence

The Taraba State Government has declared Karim-Lamido Local Government Area a Special Area of Security Concern following persistent violence and worsening

02/01/2026

EFCC Dismisses Bala Mohammed’s Allegations as ‘Wild and Far-Fetched’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly rejected claims by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that the anti-graft agency is

01/01/2026

Akpabio Orders Withdrawal of Lawsuits Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Others After New Year Sermon

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has directed his legal team to withdraw all pending lawsuits he instituted against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and other individuals.

Akpabio made the disclosure on Wednesday while speaking during a New Year service at Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, he had filed nearly nine separate court cases against individuals he accused of defamation, falsehood and slander. However, he said his decision to pursue the legal actions changed after listening to a sermon delivered by the parish priest during the service.

“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me and slandered my name. But as I listened to the priest, I suddenly realised he was speaking to me,” Akpabio told the congregation.

The Senate President explained that the message of forgiveness and reconciliation preached during the sermon deeply affected him and prompted a personal reassessment of his actions.

He emphasised that, in line with the teachings he heard, he has chosen to forgive those involved and has consequently instructed his lawyers to discontinue all related court cases.

Akpabio’s announcement drew reactions from members of the congregation, as he urged Nigerians to embrace forgiveness and unity in the new year, stressing that peace and reconciliation remain essential to national cohesion.

01/01/2026

Nigeria Mentioned as Israel Announces ‘New Front’ to Protect Christian Communities in Middle East, Africa

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced what he described as a “new front” aimed at protecting Christian communities across Africa and the Middle East, naming Nigeria among countries where Christians are facing persecution.

Netanyahu made the remarks during a public address delivered on Wednesday and shared on the Israeli Prime Minister’s official YouTube channel. He was speaking to an audience he identified as Christian Zionists, whom he credited with playing a critical role in the emergence and survival of the State of Israel.

According to the Israeli leader, “Christian Zionism facilitated the rise and success of Jewish Zionism,” adding that the relationship between Israel and Christian Zionists represents an “enormous partnership” that has endured “through thick and thin.”

Netanyahu said Israel had recently confronted what he described as a “seven-front war” and emerged “in many ways victorious,” but warned that a new challenge had now taken shape.

“But there’s an eighth front,” he said. “And that’s the front for the hearts and minds of people, especially young people.”

He argued that the struggle was not limited to Israel alone, but also affected the United States, its allies and the broader future of what he called Western civilization.

“I think it’s our common Judeo-Christian civilization’s battle,” Netanyahu said, stressing that this front should be confronted with the same determination applied to military conflicts.

The prime minister rejected calls for religious restraint in the face of violence, insisting that terrorism must be confronted and defeated. He disclosed that he had discussed the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing the situation as a global battle against Israel and the Judeo-Christian tradition.

“I see the battle against us and the battle against our Judeo-Christian tradition basically being waged around the globe,” he said.

Netanyahu identified “radical Shiite Islam and radical Sunni Islam” as the principal forces opposing Israel and its allies, citing Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood as leading what he described as rival axes.

“They go to Europe, they go to the United States, they go to Africa, Nigeria,” he said.

Referring specifically to Nigeria and other countries, Netanyahu said Israel was aware that Christians were being persecuted across the Middle East and parts of Africa, including Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria and Turkey.

He claimed that Israel was the only country that actively protects Christian communities and enables them to grow and thrive.

“That country is Israel. There is no other, none,” he said.

The Israeli leader also announced that Israel was joining efforts to establish what he termed a “United Nations of countries that support Christian communities around the world,” particularly those he described as beleaguered.

According to him, Israel could contribute to such efforts through intelligence support in Africa and other forms of assistance in the Middle East. He added that protecting Christian communities would remain a key part of Israel’s agenda in the coming year.

Netanyahu concluded his address by extending a belated Christmas greeting and New Year wishes, expressing hope for peace, security and prosperity, especially for Christian communities worldwide.

01/01/2026

Gunmen Abduct Kwara Monarch, Son in New Year’s Eve Palace Raid

Gunmen suspected to be terrorists have abducted the monarch of Aafin Community, Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun, and one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving National Youth

01/01/2026

Palace of Oba of Benin Dissociates Self from Attack on Media Practitioner, Dr. Pedro Obaseki

The Palace of the Oba of Benin has formally dissociated itself from the reported attack on media practitioner, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, describing the incident

01/01/2026

2026 MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A MORE ROBUST PHASE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH: PRESIDENT TINUBU’S NEW YEAR GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS

Fellow Compatriots,