Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has strongly condemned the ongoing persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria, expressing deep concern over the lack of accountability for those responsible for the attacks.
Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria Eko Subordinate Council in Lagos, Bishop Kukah lamented the absence of prosecutions for the numerous violent incidents against Christians. “In Northern Nigeria, Christians constitute some of the groups that you can kill without consequences,” he said. “A pastor was slaughtered openly in Adamawa. People, priests were killed in Benue. Priests have been killed in Kaduna.”
Kukah highlighted the troubling trend of impunity, noting that attacks on Christians, including the burning of churches and destruction of properties, often go unpunished. He criticized the ethnic and religious polarization that has tainted Christianity in Nigeria, urging Christians to rise above these divisions. “What happens to the church in Sokoto, Onitsha, or anywhere in this country should affect us,” he emphasized.
The bishop also addressed the denial of Christians’ rights to build churches and the broader climate of fear and discrimination they face in the North. Despite the challenges, Kukah reaffirmed his commitment to his ministry in Sokoto, stating, “When martyrdom comes to us, we embrace it; we are not in retreat.”
He called on Christians to show courage and resilience in the face of adversity, underscoring the need to preach the gospel without fear. “We must preach the gospel, welcome or unwelcome. Martyrdom is not just about being killed; it’s about being challenged every day as Christians,” Kukah said.
