Bishop Kukah Addresses Christian Safety in Nigeria

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, has reaffirmed that Christians in Nigeria are not facing systematic persecution. In a recent statement, he emphasized that the concept of genocide revolves around intent rather than the mere number of casualties, urging a focus on unity and dialogue to tackle national security issues.

Bishop Kukah made these remarks amid ongoing debates about religious freedom in the country. He attributed many challenges encountered by Christians to internal disunity within the community, stating, "The main problem is that Christians succumb to bullies." He further clarified that while there have been instances of violence, these do not constitute a targeted campaign against Christians, as threats now affect all Nigerians indiscriminately.

Reflecting on historical contexts, Kukah acknowledged past shortcomings under previous administrations, such as during the Buhari era, where persecution was more evident. However, he stressed that current conditions do not warrant labeling Nigeria as a nation engaging in religious persecution. "You can kill 10 million people and it still won't amount to genocide if there is no intent," he explained, drawing on international standards.

The bishop also cautioned against external interventions, like international sanctions, which he believes could heighten tensions and undermine local peace efforts. Instead, he advocated for collaborative approaches involving government, civil society, and religious leaders to address root causes such as poverty, extremism, and insecurity.

This position has sparked varied reactions, with some critics viewing it as a shift from Kukah's earlier warnings about anti-Christian violence. Supporters however praise it for promoting factual discourse and national harmony.