Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, has dismissed claims that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria, arguing that many of the narratives circulating are exaggerated, unverified, and potentially harmful to national unity.
Speaking while delivering a paper at the 46th Supreme Convention of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) in Kaduna, Kukah said his position is consistent with that of the Vatican Secretary of State, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and all Catholic bishops in the country.
He questioned claims that 1,200 churches are burnt in Nigeria every year, insisting that the figures are baseless.
“People are circulating these numbers, but nobody has contacted the Catholic Church to verify anything. We don’t even know where these statistics come from,” he said. “Those pushing the persecution narrative avoid the Catholic Church because they know we do not deal in hearsay.”
Clarifying misconceptions about genocide, he explained that the term is defined by intent, not casualties.
“You can kill millions and it may still not be genocide. What matters is whether there is a deliberate aim to eliminate a group,” he stated. “We must be more precise in the way we discuss these issues.”
Bishop Kukah further challenged assertions that Christians face systematic persecution in Nigeria.
“If you say you are a persecuted Christian in Nigeria, how?” he asked. “At least 80% of educated Nigerians are Christians, and Christians control about 85% of the nation’s economy. With these realities, how can anyone claim Christians are being persecuted?”
He urged Nigerians to rely on verified information and engage in more balanced conversations to strengthen peace and coexistence.
