The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, has ignited a national conversation following his recent Christmas message, which critically links Nigeria’s escalating insecurity to profound societal failures. Bishop Kukah asserted that those perpetrating violence, whether identified as bandits, kidnappers, or extremists, are fundamentally “our children,” products of the very society they now terrorise. His powerful reflection posited that these individuals did not emerge from a vacuum but were shaped by systemic neglect and fractured social structures.
Delivering his sermon, titled “Joy and Hope in a Time of Tribulation,” Bishop Kukah issued a stark warning that years of neglecting children, education, and core values continue to fuel the nation’s pervasive violence. He attributed the current crisis to chronic poor leadership, pervasive governance failures, and a significant erosion of social responsibility across various sectors. The cleric contended that the perpetrators of widespread killings and abductions are direct consequences of broken societal systems and toxic political environments.
Nigeria, according to Bishop Kukah, is enduring exceptionally painful trials, marked by relentless killings, rampant abductions, and an pervasive atmosphere of fear gripping numerous communities. He specifically highlighted that the deeply entrenched insecurity, particularly prevalent in the northern regions, directly stems from systemic poverty, widespread illiteracy, and a profound moral collapse. The Bishop cautioned that any continued disregard for these fundamental root causes risks pushing the nation further towards an abyss of chaos.
A significant portion of Bishop Kukah’s message focused on the devastating impact on children, whom he described as the biggest victims within Nigeria’s broken system. He detailed how countless children face the horrors of kidnapping, various forms of abuse, forced labour, and premature marriages, citing tragic examples from school abductions in Chibok, Dapchi, Maga, and Papiri. The Bishop estimated that nearly 2,000 children have been directly affected by such crises in Nigeria, drawing parallels to similar unfolding tragedies globally, particularly in Gaza and Sudan.
In response to the escalating violence and the persecution faced by many, Bishop Kukah unequivocally rejected any call for armed retaliation by Christians. He urged adherents instead to embrace faith, prayer, and steadfast moral conduct as their primary response, rather than resorting to violence. Citing biblical teachings, he recalled Jesus’s instruction to Peter to put away his sword, reinforcing his belief that “violence cannot defeat violence.” He underscored that Christianity has historically triumphed over oppression through resilience and spiritual fortitude, not through force.
As a critical solution, Bishop Kukah strongly advocated for urgent, comprehensive investment in education and a profound nationwide moral renewal. He issued a compelling ultimatum: “We must either renovate, educate or perish,” stressing the immediate necessity of these actions for the nation’s survival. He implored Nigerian leaders to embrace their responsibilities, ensuring that national resources are judiciously managed and directed towards the common good of all citizens.
The Sokoto-based cleric challenged the government to confront the multifaceted issues of insecurity, endemic poverty, and widespread bad governance with unwavering honesty and resolve. Despite the grim realities facing the nation, Bishop Kukah urged all Nigerians not to succumb to despair, reminding them of the Christmas message of “Emmanuel—God is us.” He called upon citizens to actively reject hatred and division, emphasizing the shared experiences of grief and the collective imperative to stand united in adversity.
Bishop Kukah acknowledged the efforts made by government and security agencies in securing the release of some abducted children, yet he described the repeated school abductions as “one ordeal too many,” underscoring the persistent challenges. In his closing reflections, he encouraged Christians to embody the spirit of Christ in their daily lives, viewing Christmas not merely as a festive date but as a profound “vocation.” This vocation, he explained, is to allow the world to witness and experience the face of Jesus through lives dedicated to love, peace, and reconciliation, offering a final message of hope and joy for the festive season.
