Bishop Matthew Kukah criticizes the lack of accountability for the killing of Christians in Nigeria, highlighting it as a grave issue that remains unaddressed by authorities.
Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese in Roman Catholic Church expressed his dismay over persistent mistreatment of Christians in Northern Nigeria. He pointed out that those responsible for such acts are not apprehended nor punished and can easily roam around without consequences.
Despite the church in the North experiencing ill-treatment in recent years, he stated that no individual had been prosecuted for those incidents.
During the event in Lagos themed “Christian Martyrdom in Nigeria – a Building Block or Stumbling Block to Salvation or Patriotism,” which celebrated the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of the Order of Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Eko Subordinate Council, it was virtually announced by the bishop.
He criticized the ethnic association that was being attributed to Christianity in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to abandon such behavior.
Our country, Nigeria, exhibits a disturbing trend in which certain groups of Christians residing in Northern Nigeria can be targeted for violence with impunity. It is notable that no one has been held accountable for the burning down of churches or vandalizing Christian properties within this region.
In Adamawa, a pastor was brutally murdered in plain sight while people and priests were also killed in Benue. Further, Kaduna has seen multiple instances of priest killings.
The world appears to be able to harm Christians without facing repercussions. Therefore, as devout followers of Christianity or Catholicism, the fate of churches in Ikwerre, Sokoto, Onitsha and across Nigeria should concern us deeply.
It is unfortunate that Christianity has been mostly overshadowed by ethnicity.
In present times, numerous individuals still possess a caliphate mindset that views those outside of their group as adversaries. As such, Christianity and Christians in multiple regions within Northern Nigeria are only permitted to exist.
The denial of lands to construct churches for Christians is often overlooked as an issue, despite its prevalence. Presently, in Kenya specifically, I am personally facing this problem.
Bishop Kukah emphasized the need to proclaim the gospel, regardless of its reception and without regard for political or ethnic affiliations.
Friendship is not the issue here. Had it been, Jesus would have instructed Peter to step aside. Martyrdom involves more than just dying; ultimately, one gives their life for speaking truthfully when confronted with a challenge.
During the era of Abacha, I was repeatedly warned that if I did not remain silent, my life would be senselessly taken.
He stated that we must accept the fact that as Christians, every day of our lives brings a challenge to become martyrs due to the looming possibility of persecution. This is an inevitable reality for us, he explained.
