Nigerians on social media have revisited past statements made by Bishop Matthew Kukah after the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese recently argued that claims of genocide or widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria are exaggerated.
Bishop Kukah, who also serves as the Convener of the National Peace Committee (NPC), had stated that genocide is defined by intent rather than casualty numbers, insisting that Christians still hold a strong social and economic presence in Nigeria.
He further stressed that discussions around persecution must be based on accurate data and not emotional or politically charged narratives.
Past Remarks From 2020 Resurface
However, shortly after his latest comments went viral, Nigerians began circulating an interview he granted in 2020 to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), in which he appeared to take a much stronger position.
In the resurfaced interview, Bishop Kukah reportedly described the systematic killings of Christians by Fulani herdsmen as genocidal, saying the violence formed part of a broader campaign of terror in the country.
He also referenced the execution of five aid workers by ISWAP—three of whom were believed to be Christians—as evidence of targeted attacks.
Criticism of Government and Security Agencies
In that interview, the bishop accused the Nigerian government and security agencies of failing to contain terrorism, alleging complicity in some cases.
“There are multiple levels of funding… terrorism has been able to fund itself by criminality, violence and kidnappings,” he reportedly said.
He added that ransom payments and the military’s inefficiency had emboldened terror groups over the years.
Bishop Kukah also described Nigeria as a “failed state,” saying its security breakdown had turned the country into an epicenter of terrorism in West Africa.
Debate Over His Changing Position
The contradiction between his 2020 remarks and his recent statements has triggered debate across social media platforms.
While some Nigerians accuse him of inconsistency, others argue that his newer comments reflect the need for caution in framing Nigeria’s insecurity crisis, especially internationally.
The bishop has maintained that his position aligns with the Vatican and other senior Catholic leaders, warning against narratives that could escalate tensions or undermine interfaith peace efforts.
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