The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, on Tuesday refuted claims that he said Christians in Nigeria are not facing persecution.
Reports had quoted him as questioning the idea of Christian persecution, allegedly pointing to the high number of educated Christians and their influence in the economy.
One report quoted him as saying, “If you are a Christian in Nigeria and you say you are persecuted, how? At least 80 percent of educated Nigerians are Christians, and up to 85 percent of the economy is controlled by Christians. With such figures, how can anyone say Christians are being persecuted?”
In a statement titled “Of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria: My response,” Bishop Kukah described those reports as false, expressing surprise that some people still attributed such remarks to him despite the clarity of his past statements.
He explained that his previous comments were meant to encourage unity among Christians, insisting that with the influence and resources available to the Christian community, the real issue is solidarity—not the absence of persecution.
“For over a week, I have been in the news over claims that I said there was no persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The emotions are understandable because nothing should undermine the sanctity of life,” he said.
Kukah thanked The Kukah Centre for issuing a statement on his behalf but said he felt the need to personally clarify the matter.
“So, for the record, I did not say that Christians are not persecuted in Nigeria,” he stated, recalling that during his address to the Catholic Knights of St. Mulumba in Kaduna on November 28, he had spoken about the challenges of bearing witness to Christ during persecution and drew lessons from brave Nigerian and African Christians.
He emphasised that he concluded his message by highlighting unity and solidarity as the biggest challenges Christians face. With the vast human and material resources at their disposal, he argued, Christians should not become victims if they stand together.
Kukah noted that he has spent years speaking about the persecution of Christians and has repeatedly stressed that the bloodshed—regardless of how it is labelled—must end immediately. He said the government and security agencies must urgently bring perpetrators to justice.
“As a people, we owe ourselves the duty of regaining our humanity—not as perpetual victims, but as equal citizens,” he added, lamenting the lives lost, bloodshed, and people still in captivity.
He apologised for the “unnecessary distraction,” urging Nigerians to stay focused and united at a critical moment in the nation’s history.
“These times are too serious for equivocation,” he said. “This is a struggle we must win. Even if the journey is painful, we must rise each time we stumble and keep our eyes on peace, justice, and reconciliation.”
He concluded by expressing hope that, through faith and perseverance, Nigerians can rebuild unity and restore the nation’s soul.
