Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has strongly condemned the persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria. Speaking virtually at the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the Order of the Knights of St Mulumba Nigeria Eko Subordinate Council in Lagos, Bishop Kukah expressed deep concern over the apparent impunity faced by those who attack Christians and their properties.
In his address, Bishop Kukah highlighted the alarming trend of violence against Christians in Northern Nigeria, questioning the lack of legal consequences for such acts. “If you look at our country – Nigeria, the issue is that, in Northern Nigeria, Christians constitute some of the groups that you can kill without consequences,” he said.
He pointed out that there have been numerous attacks on Christian communities, including the burning of churches and destruction of properties, yet the perpetrators often face no punishment.
Bishop Kukah criticised the judicial system for its failure to hold attackers accountable. “Has anybody ever been charged for burning churches or for destroying Christian properties? The perpetrators are allowed to move freely without facing punishment,” he said. This lack of justice, he argued, contributes to a climate of fear and insecurity among Christian communities in the region.
The theme of the event, ‘Christian Martyrdom in Nigeria…a Building Block or Stumbling Block to Salvation or Patriotism,’ was a central focus of Kukah’s speech. He lamented that despite the atrocities committed against Christians, no individual has been held accountable.
“A pastor was slaughtered openly in Adamawa. People, priests were killed in Benue. Priests have been killed in Kaduna,” he recounted.
Kukah expressed frustration that such violence against Christians seems to be treated with indifference. He highlighted the broader issue of ethnic and religious intolerance, noting that many view Christians with suspicion or hostility.
“It seems as if killing Christians is the only thing the world can do without consequences,” he said. He warned that this attitude is fueled by a “caliphate mentality,” where those outside one’s ethnic or religious group are viewed as enemies.
Despite the challenges and threats faced, Bishop Kukah emphasised the enduring mission of the church to preach the gospel. “We must preach the gospel, welcome or unwelcome. Preaching the gospel has no political and ethnic boundaries,” he asserted. He drew a parallel to historical periods of persecution, recalling advice given to him during the Abacha era about the risks of speaking out.
“Martyrdom is not just about being killed,” Kukah said. “It’s about speaking the truth despite the danger. When we are confronted, martyrdom is not just about being killed. Because, of course, in the end, you are killed for speaking the truth.” He emphasised that Christians should remain steadfast in their faith and mission, even in the face of severe persecution.
Bishop Kukah also shared personal experiences of loss and resilience. He spoke about the murder of a seminarian and the kidnapping of priests in Sokoto. Despite these tragic events, Kukah remains committed to his role and his community. “I have lost a seminarian, I have lost a priest, my priests have been kidnapped, not once, not twice. But my immediate reaction is that in all of this, we are only inspired,” he stated.
He recounted the skepticism he faced when returning to Sokoto after the death of Deborah, a Christian girl who was murdered. “When Deborah was killed, I was out of Sokoto. People were saying to me, how are you going back to Sokoto?” Kukah reflected.
The persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria has been a longstanding issue, exacerbated by religious and ethnic tensions. The rise of extremist groups and sectarian violence has created a dangerous environment for Christian communities. Churches have been targeted, and many Christians have been displaced from their homes.
This situation has prompted calls for greater protection and justice for Christian minorities.
Kukah urged for greater solidarity among Christians and a renewed focus on justice and human rights. “What happens to the church in Ikwerre, what happens to the church in Sokoto, what happens to the church in Onitsha, what happens to the church everywhere in this country should affect us,” he said.
