Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has issued a stark warning regarding the profound societal consequences of neglecting children. In his 2025 Christmas message, titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” Bishop Kukah asserted that the nation’s prevailing insecurity and violence stem directly from a failure to nurture its youth, emphasizing that children represent Nigeria’s indispensable future and must be protected at all costs.
Speaking against a backdrop of widespread insecurity across various parts of the country, Bishop Kukah controversially declared that terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers are products of the very society they terrorize. He articulated that these perpetrators of violence are “our children,” born from “our own loins,” and fundamentally represent outcomes of failed systems and a toxic political environment. This assertion underscored his belief that society bears collective responsibility for the actions of these criminals.
The clergyman expressed deep concern over the devastating plight of children both globally and within Nigeria, highlighting that these innocent victims bear the heaviest burden of a dysfunctional system. He lamented their exposure to severe societal ills, including kidnapping, abuse, forced labour, and early marriage—circumstances entirely beyond their control. Bishop Kukah specifically referenced the harrowing abductions of schoolchildren in Chibok, Dapchi, Maga, and Papiri, noting that nearly 2,000 children in Nigeria have suffered from such crimes, alongside similar tragedies unfolding from Gaza to Sudan on the international stage.
Bishop Kukah identified the root causes of Nigeria’s escalating violence, particularly in the northern regions, as years of entrenched poverty, widespread illiteracy, miseducation, and profound moral decay. He argued that these systemic failures create a fertile ground for criminality and extremism, perpetuating a cycle of instability that threatens the nation’s fabric. Addressing these foundational issues, he suggested, is paramount to achieving lasting peace.
As a crucial remedy, Bishop Kukah passionately advocated for substantial investment in education and a comprehensive moral renewal across society. He issued a dire warning, stating that Nigeria risks a further descent into chaos if these measures are not urgently implemented. “We must either renovate, educate or perish,” he declared, underscoring the critical choice facing the nation in addressing its deep-seated challenges.
Emphasizing a distinct Christian response to persecution, Bishop Kukah firmly rejected retaliation and violence, urging believers to place their reliance on faith, prayer, and moral witness rather than resorting to arms. He drew upon biblical teachings, referencing Jesus’ admonition to Peter to sheath his sword, asserting unequivocally that “violence cannot defeat violence.” He further highlighted that Christianity has historically endured persecution and outlived empires through steadfast faith and resilience.
In his Christmas message, the Catholic Bishop also issued a powerful call to Nigerian leaders, urging them to utilize the nation’s vast resources for the common good. He implored them to confront the pervasive challenges of insecurity, poverty, and bad governance with decisive action and genuine commitment. This leadership, he stressed, is essential for steering the country towards stability and progress.
Despite the formidable challenges confronting the nation, Bishop Kukah encouraged citizens not to surrender hope, reinforcing that the Christmas story itself symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. He reminded Nigerians that the birth of Christ, Emmanuel, signifies “God is with us,” and that the light of Christmas is an enduring beacon that darkness cannot overcome, offering solace and strength in difficult times.
Bishop Kukah urged Nigerians to actively resist division and hatred, calling for national unity in mourning and healing. He emphasized the importance of drawing strength from shared suffering and collective hope, stating, “We have buried our dead together. We have mourned together, We must hold together in darkness so we can welcome the light together.” This message highlighted the power of solidarity in overcoming adversity.
The Bishop acknowledged and commended the efforts of the government and security forces that led to the safe return of some abducted schoolchildren. Describing these incidents as “one ordeal too many,” he expressed prayers that such tragedies would finally cease. He concluded his message by urging Christians to embody the light and attributes of Christ during the Christmas season, celebrating it as a “vocation” to manifest love, peace, and reconciliation in the world, and wishing all Nigerians a happy Christmas filled with unwavering joy and hope despite national trials.
