The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, has condemned the persistent and unchecked persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria, lamenting that Christians are often targeted without facing any consequences.
Speaking virtually on Friday during the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria Eko Subordinate Council in Lagos, Bishop Kukah expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence against Christians in the region, as reported by Sahara Reporters.
“If you look at our country – Nigeria, the issue is that, in Northern Nigeria, Christians constitute some of the groups that you can kill without consequences,” Bishop Kukah stated.
“You can ask yourself; has anybody ever been charged for burning churches or for destroying Christian properties?”
He further criticized the lack of accountability for those who commit such atrocities, noting, “The perpetrators are allowed to move freely without facing punishment.”
With the event themed “Christian Martyrdom in Nigeria…a Building Block or Stumbling Block to Salvation or Patriotism,” Bishop Kukah highlighted the disturbing trend of unpunished violence against Christians, citing examples from Adamawa, Benue, and Kaduna, where pastors and priests have been brutally murdered.
“It seems as if killing Christians is the only thing the world can do without consequences,” he lamented.
He also warned that Christianity in Northern Nigeria is being relegated to a secondary status, with Christians denied land to build churches, and their plight often ignored.
Kukah emphasized the need for Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of the challenges.
“We must preach the gospel, welcome or unwelcome. Preaching the gospel has no political and ethnic boundaries. It is not about friendship,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on his own experiences in Sokoto, where he has lost a seminarian, a priest, and witnessed multiple kidnappings of clergy members, Bishop Kukah shared how these tragedies have only strengthened his resolve.
“In all of this, we are only inspired,” he said, underscoring the resilience of Christians in the face of persecution.
Bishop Kukah also addressed the criticism he has faced for returning to Sokoto after such incidents, stating, “When my seminarian, my priest, was kidnapped and released last month, people asked if I was still going back to Sokoto.”
