No Christian Persecution in Nigeria, Insists Bishop Kukah
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has insisted that there is no structured or state-backed persecution of Christians in Nigeria, challenging both local and international narratives that frame the country as a battleground of targeted religious oppression.
Speaking at a recent Catholic gathering, Kukah clarified that while Nigeria faces severe insecurity and communal violence, it is wrong to portray the crisis as a coordinated campaign against one religious group.
Kukah stressed that the violence affecting Christian communities is part of a wider national breakdown of law and order that impacts Nigerians of many backgrounds — Muslims, Christians, and others alike.
He explained that attributing the killings and kidnappings solely to a religious motive oversimplifies a complex situation involving criminal networks, ethnic tensions, socio-economic grievances, and weak security institutions.
According to him, describing the situation as a religious “war” not only misinforms the public but can deepen mistrust and resentment between communities that already share a fragile coexistence.
The cleric noted that Nigeria’s conflict dynamics differ from the classical definition of religious genocide or persecution, which requires evidence of deliberate and systematic intent to eliminate a religious group. He argued that, although tragic incidents have occurred in Christian-dominated areas, similar violent attacks are found in largely Muslim regions, demonstrating that the root causes of insecurity are not singularly faith-driven.
Bishop Kukah also warned that narratives of persecution can be weaponised for political purposes, both domestically and internationally.
He advised religious leaders, activists, and commentators to be cautious in their language, urging them to support peacebuilding rather than amplifying division.
Kukah emphasized the importance of fact-based assessments in advocacy, adding that responsible communication and interfaith understanding are crucial for long-term stability.
Reactions to his remarks have been mixed. Some Christian groups disagree with his position, insisting that attacks in parts of Nigeria have clear religious undertones. Others have praised Kukah’s view as a moderating and unifying voice in a climate prone to sensational claims.
Regardless of differing opinions, Kukah’s intervention invites a broader conversation: one that moves beyond simplified religious framing and encourages a more nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s insecurity — one focused on solutions rather than rhetoric, and collaboration rather than blame.
