The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has firmly rejected media reports claiming he argued that Christians in Nigeria are not facing persecution, describing the attribution as “false” and “baffling.”
In a statement titled “Of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria: My response,” Kukah apologized for the “great pain and mental anguish” the misrepresentation caused his fellow Christians.
The reports had quoted him as questioning the narrative of persecution by citing figures on educated Christians and their control of the economy.
However, Kukah clarified that his speech, delivered to the Catholic Knights of St. Mulumba in Kaduna on November 28, was a call for unity and solidarity, not a denial of persecution.
“For the record, I did not say that Christians are not persecuted in Nigeria! …I concluded that the greatest challenge for Christians was unity and solidarity. Nothing here implied a denial of the fate of Christians,” he stated.
Call for Unity and Justice
Kukah reiterated his longstanding position that bloodshed in Nigeria must end immediately, stressing that government and security agencies have an urgent responsibility to hold perpetrators accountable.
“Too many innocent souls have been lost, too much blood shed and our children and citizens are in captivity,” he said.
He urged Christians to remain focused on reclaiming the nation’s soul, emphasizing that they must stand as equal citizens rather than perpetual victims.
The bishop assured his audience of his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation, urging Christians not to be distracted by misrepresentations.
“This is a contest that we must win. The journey may be painful. We may falter along the way, but we will only reach our destination by learning our lessons, standing up even when we stumble, and always keeping our eyes on the ultimate prize—peace for our country, justice for those injured, and reconciliation for our people,” he said.
Kukah concluded with a pastoral appeal: “This is a struggle that I have committed most of my pastoral and intellectual life to. By clinging to the old, rugged cross, we can one day exchange it for a crown.”
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
