Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has issued a stark warning, asserting that the bandits, kidnappers, and violent extremists plaguing Nigeria are not external threats but rather the direct consequence of the nation’s systemic failures. He argued that these individuals emerged from the very societal fabric they now terrorize, a direct result of neglect in education, moral values, and effective governance.

Delivering his 2025 Christmas message, Bishop Kukah emphasized that Nigeria is paying a heavy price for years of leadership deficits and a lack of social responsibility. He posited that the perpetrators of violence did not materialize from a vacuum but were cultivated by broken systems and divisive political practices, underscoring the deep-seated nature of the country’s security crisis.

“Whether we call them bandits, kidnappers or extremists, they are our children. They came out of our own loins. Our children are our future,” Bishop Kukah stated, highlighting the generational impact of societal neglect. His reflection, titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” acknowledged the pervasive fear and suffering across many Nigerian communities, yet drew parallels to the enduring message of hope embodied by the birth of Christ.

The cleric directly linked the escalating insecurity, particularly in Nigeria’s northern regions, to persistent issues of poverty, widespread illiteracy, miseducation, and a moral decay. He issued a grave caution that ignoring these fundamental root causes would inevitably propel the nation further into a state of chaos and instability. Bishop Kukah advocated for immediate and substantial investment in education and a nationwide moral renewal.

Bishop Kukah also voiced profound concern over the plight of children, who he identified as the most vulnerable victims of Nigeria’s fractured system. He cited numerous instances of school abductions, including incidents in Chibok and Dapchi, noting that nearly 2,000 children have been directly impacted by such attacks within Nigeria alone, with similar tragedies unfolding globally in conflict zones.

Addressing the Christian response to persecution and violence, the Bishop unequivocally rejected the path of revenge or armed retaliation. He urged believers to draw strength from faith, prayer, and ethical conduct, rather than resorting to force. Citing the biblical injunction for Peter to sheath his sword, Kukah asserted that violence is incapable of defeating violence, and that historical resilience, not military might, has been the bedrock of Christianity’s survival.

Challenging Nigeria’s leadership, Bishop Kukah called for accountability and the responsible utilization of the nation’s abundant resources for the collective welfare of its citizens. He insisted that insecurity, poverty, and poor governance must be confronted with honesty and determination for any genuine progress to be achieved. Despite the grim circumstances, he implored Nigerians to retain hope, viewing Christmas as a potent symbol of light triumphing over darkness.

“By the birth of Christ, Emmanuel—God is with us,” he proclaimed, reiterating that the Christmas light is an inextinguishable beacon against all forms of darkness. Bishop Kukah urged a rejection of division, hatred, and bitterness, advocating instead for national healing through shared experiences of pain and a unified sense of hope. He emphasized the need for collective solidarity, stating, “We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together. We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together.”

While acknowledging recent government and security efforts in the release of abducted schoolchildren, Bishop Kukah described these repeated incidents as “one ordeal too many.” He expressed a fervent prayer for the cessation of such traumatic events. In his concluding remarks, he exhorted Christians to embody the character of Christ in their daily lives, framing Christmas not merely as a celebration but as a profound vocation to demonstrate love, peace, and reconciliation to the world.

He extended wishes for a joyful Christmas to all Nigerians, encouraging them to persevere with hope despite the nation’s formidable challenges. Bishop Kukah’s message serves as a powerful call to introspection and collective action, urging a fundamental shift in societal priorities to address the roots of insecurity and foster a more just and peaceful future.

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Keywords: Bishop Kukah, Nigeria insecurity, child abduction, societal failure, governance, education, moral values, Christmas message