The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has stirred nationwide debate with his 2025 Christmas message, linking Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to deep-rooted social and governance failures.
In his message, Bishop Kukah argued that bandits, kidnappers and extremists terrorising the country are products of the same society that neglected education, values and leadership responsibilities for decades.
“Society Created the Crisis” – Kukah
Delivering his Christmas reflection titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” the bishop warned that violence did not emerge suddenly or mysteriously.
According to him, years of poor governance, leadership failure, moral decay and neglect of children created the conditions that fuel insecurity across Nigeria.
“Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers or extremists, they are our children. They came out of our own loins. Our children are our future,” Kukah said.
He stressed that insecurity is a reflection of broken systems and toxic politics, warning that ignoring the root causes would push the nation closer to chaos.
Hope Amid Fear and Violence
Despite the grim security situation, the cleric reminded Christians that the birth of Jesus Christ symbolises hope even in the darkest moments.
He described Nigeria as a nation passing through painful trials, marked by killings, abductions and widespread fear, particularly in the northern region.
According to Kukah, poverty, illiteracy and moral collapse remain key drivers of violence.
“We must either renovate, educate or perish,” he warned, calling for urgent investment in education and moral renewal.
Children Are the Biggest Victims
Bishop Kukah expressed deep concern over the suffering of children in Nigeria’s fragile system.
He cited incidents of school abductions in Chibok, Dapchi, Maga and Papiri, noting that nearly 2,000 children have been affected by kidnappings across the country.
He added that Nigerian children face multiple threats, including abuse, forced labour, early marriage and displacement.
Drawing parallels with global conflicts, Kukah referenced the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan, stressing that children often bear the heaviest burden during violent conflicts.
Rejecting Violence and Revenge
On the issue of persecution, Kukah firmly rejected armed retaliation by Christians.
He urged believers to respond with faith, prayer and moral conduct rather than violence, citing biblical teachings.
“Violence cannot defeat violence,” he said, recalling Jesus’ instruction to Peter to put away his sword.
According to the bishop, Christianity has survived centuries of oppression through resilience and love, not force.
Message to Leaders and Citizens
The Sokoto-based cleric challenged Nigerian leaders to rise to their responsibilities and use national resources for the common good.
He called for honest confrontation of insecurity, poverty and bad governance, urging both leaders and citizens to reject hatred and division.
“We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together. We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together,” Kukah said.
Final Reflection
Bishop Kukah acknowledged the efforts of government and security agencies in rescuing abducted children but described repeated school kidnappings as “one ordeal too many.”
In his closing message, he urged Christians to live out the true meaning of Christmas.
“We do not celebrate Christmas as a feast or a date on our calendar. We celebrate it as a vocation — to let the world see and experience the face of Jesus through lives of love, peace and reconciliation,” he said.
He wished Nigerians a joyful Christmas and encouraged them to remain hopeful, stressing that “the light of Christmas is a light that darkness cannot overcome.”
