“There Is No Christian Persecution in Nigeria” — Bishop Kukah

Bishop Matthew Kukah has reiterated that claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria are unfounded, arguing that many of the narratives circulating internationally are based on incorrect or exaggerated data. Speaking at the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba in Kaduna, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese emphasized that allegations of widespread church burnings and targeted killings lack credible verification and are often detached from realities on the ground.

Kukah, who recently faced criticism for advising the international community against labeling Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” said such designations could inflame tensions and give criminal elements room to exploit religious sensitivities. He stated that he stands firmly with the Vatican, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and all Catholic bishops in rejecting claims that the country fits the description of a persecuted Christian minority.

He questioned figures suggesting that over a thousand churches are destroyed annually, noting that no organization consulted the Catholic Church for accurate records. According to him, groups spreading these claims deliberately bypass the Church because they know it will not endorse unverified statistics.

Kukah also cautioned against the casual use of the term genocide, stressing that the concept hinges on intent rather than casualty numbers. He said conversations on conflict in Nigeria must be approached with precision rather than sensationalism.

Challenging the notion that Christians are a marginalized group, he pointed to their substantial presence and influence in education and the economy. For him, internal divisions pose a greater challenge than external threats, urging Christians to stand united and reject fear-driven narratives.

He further warned against loosely assigning martyrdom to all victims of violence, insisting that the context of each incident matters. Kukah explained that his earlier remarks stemmed from a comprehensive study he presented at the Vatican, which concluded that applying terms like genocide or martyrdom to Nigeria’s situation is inaccurate.

Addressing members of the Knights of St. Mulumba, he called for a renewed commitment to integrity and service, reminding them that defending the Church today requires moral leadership rather than force.