I Never Said There Is No Christian Persecution in Nigeria — Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah

Catholic bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has denied reports that he claimed there is no Christian persecution in Nigeria. He clarified his position during an appearance on the radio programme Boiling Point on Sunday.

The controversy followed the US government’s decision on October 31 to redesignate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern (CPC),” citing claims of a Christian genocide in the country.

The CPC label is applied to nations accused of “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.”

While the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected the genocide claims, former US President Donald Trump threatened military action against terrorists targeting Christians in Nigeria. On December 25, the US launched airstrikes against terrorist camps in Sokoto State.

Bishop Kukah said his remarks on the genocide issue were misinterpreted. “I never denied the killing of our people [Christians],” he said, expressing shock that some Christians claimed he denied persecution. He emphasized, “I have never denied that there is persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Whether it’s persecution, whether it’s genocide, by God, this thing ought not to have happened.”

Kukah added that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of religion. “It doesn’t matter where you are, whether you are Muslim, whether you are Christian, you are in danger of being abd¥cted,” he said.

Earlier in October, Kukah urged the US not to designate Nigeria as a CPC, noting that Nigerians feel vulnerable regardless of faith, ethnicity, or social status.