Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has firmly rejected allegations that Christians face systematic persecution in Nigeria. The prominent religious leader made his position clear during the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba in Kaduna state.
Questioning the Data on Church Attacks
Bishop Kukah directly challenged statistics circulating about attacks on Christian worship centers across Nigeria. The cleric expressed skepticism about claims that 1,200 churches are burned annually in the country, openly questioning the source and accuracy of these figures.
"They are saying that 1,200 churches are burnt in Nigeria every year, and I ask myself, in which Nigeria?" Kukah stated during his address. "Interestingly, nobody approached the Catholic Church to get accurate data."
The bishop emphasized that the Catholic Church maintains proper records and does not engage in hearsay, suggesting that those circulating persecution statistics deliberately avoid consulting the church because of its commitment to factual reporting.
Clarifying the Meaning of Genocide
Kukah also addressed what he described as the misuse of the term "genocide" in discussions about violence in Nigeria. The bishop provided a precise definition, explaining that genocide is determined by intent rather than numbers.
"You can kill 10 million people, and it still won't amount to genocide," Kukah noted. "The critical determinant is intent, whether the aim is to eliminate a group of people. So, you don't determine genocide by numbers; you determine it by intention."
He urged Nigerians to be more clinical in their discussions about serious issues affecting the country, emphasizing the importance of accurate terminology in addressing complex security challenges.
Economic and Educational Influence of Christians
The bishop presented statistical evidence to counter persecution narratives, pointing to the significant influence Christians wield in Nigeria's economic and educational sectors.
"If you are a Christian in Nigeria and you say you are persecuted, my question is: how?" Kukah challenged. "At least 80% of educated Nigerians are Christians, and up to 85% of the Nigerian economy is controlled by Christians."
He argued that these figures demonstrate the substantial presence and influence of Christians in key areas of national life, making claims of systematic persecution difficult to substantiate.
Broader Context and International Implications
Kukah's remarks come months after he urged the United States not to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern regarding religious freedom. The bishop had argued that such a move would undermine ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and interfaith understanding under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
While acknowledging that Nigeria faces serious challenges with violence, discrimination, and insecurity, Kukah pointed to what he described as encouraging signs of progress under the current government that deserve support rather than punishment.
The bishop also warned about the dangers of weaponizing religion and unchecked extremism, describing these as significant threats to Nigeria's survival as a nation.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
Kukah's position has generated diverse reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing strong opinions about his analysis.
One X user commented: "A man that doesn't know how it feels to have a child will not understand how painful it is to loose one," suggesting that the bishop might be disconnected from the experiences of ordinary Christians facing violence.
Another user, Olufemi Aduwo, challenged Kukah's interpretation of genocide under international law, writing: "Bishop Kukah's narrative is fundamentally flawed. Under international law, you may kill millions, and it still may not constitute genocide if the specific intent to destroy a protected group is absent."
The discussion reflects the ongoing debate within Nigeria about how to accurately characterize the complex security situation affecting various communities across the country.
As convener of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Kukah continues to play a significant role in promoting dialogue and understanding among Nigeria's diverse religious and ethnic groups, even as his latest comments spark renewed conversation about the nature of religious relations in Africa's most populous nation.
