Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has clarified his recent comments on religious tensions in Nigeria, insisting that claims of genocide or systematic Christian persecution must be approached carefully and with factual accuracy.
Speaking at the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) in Kaduna, Bishop Kukah addressed criticism that followed his advice to the international community not to classify Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” on religious grounds.
Misinterpretations and Data Gaps
Bishop Kukah said many of the alarming figures circulated online—such as claims that more than 1,200 churches are burned yearly—are exaggerated and not based on verified data.
“Interestingly, nobody approached the Catholic Church to get accurate data. All those talking about persecution—who has called to ask, ‘Bishop Kukah, what is the situation?’” he said.
He maintained that his position aligns with the Vatican Secretary of State, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and other senior Catholic leaders.
Genocide Is Defined by Intent — Not Numbers
Addressing the use of the term “genocide,” Bishop Kukah explained that mass casualties alone do not constitute genocide without evidence of targeted intent.
“You can kill 10 million people and it still won’t amount to genocide. The critical determinant is intent—whether the aim is to eliminate a group of people,” he noted.
He warned that misusing the term could escalate tensions and undermine efforts toward peacebuilding.
On Claims of Christian Persecution
Bishop Kukah also questioned the narrative that Christians are systematically persecuted in Nigeria, citing their strong demographic and economic presence.
“At least 80% of educated Nigerians are Christians, and up to 85% of the Nigerian economy is controlled by Christians. With such figures, how can anyone say Christians are being persecuted?” he asked.
He attributed some challenges within Christian communities to internal divisions and urged unity.
“The day we decide to stand together—believing that an injury to one is an injury to all—these things will stop.”
Clarifying Martyrdom Claims
The bishop cautioned against loosely labeling victims of violence as martyrs without considering context.
“Because someone is killed in a church—does that automatically make them a martyr? We must think more deeply,” he said.
He reinforced that his earlier remarks were backed by a comprehensive 1,270-page study on genocide, which concluded that Nigeria does not meet the technical criteria for genocide or widespread martyrdom.
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