The Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has refuted reports claiming he said Christians in Nigeria are not facing persecution.
The widely circulated reports alleged that Bishop Kukah questioned the narrative of Christian persecution, citing the high percentage of educated Christians and their significant participation in Nigeria’s economy.
Reacting in a statement titled “Of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria: My response,” the bishop described the claims as false and misleading. He expressed surprise that such comments were still being attributed to him despite his consistent public stance.
Kukah explained that his remarks were aimed at encouraging unity and solidarity among Christians, stressing that the community’s substantial human and material resources should inspire collective strength, not division.
“For over a week, I have been in the news on the basis of multiple claims that I had said that there was no persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The outpouring of emotions is understandable,” he said, adding that debates must not overshadow the reality of bloodshed and loss of lives.
He clarified that during a November 28 address to the Catholic Knights of St. Mulumba in Kaduna, he discussed the challenges of witnessing Christ in times of persecution and drew examples from history, but did not deny the existence of persecution.
“My conclusion was that our greatest challenge as Christians is unity and solidarity. Nothing I said implied a denial of the fate of Christians,” he emphasized.
Bishop Kukah also reiterated his long-standing advocacy against the killing, kidnapping, and oppression of citizens in Nigeria, stressing that the government and security agencies must hold perpetrators accountable.
He apologized for the controversy, describing it as an “unnecessary distraction,” and urged Nigerians to stay focused on pursuing peace, justice, and national reconciliation.
“These moments are too serious for equivocation,” he said. “Let us get back on the road, especially as the spirit of Bethlehem beckons.”
