Nigerians have dug up past comments by Bishop Matthew Kukah following his recent viral remarks denying an ongoing genocide/ persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the National Peace Committee (NPC) recently insisted that claims of Christian persecution are exaggerated, stressing that genocide should be determined by intent rather than the number of casualties.
He also argued that Christians hold a strong position in Nigeria’s society and economy, and that discussions about persecution must be based on accurate data.
2020 Statement Reemerges
However, social media users quickly reshared Bishop Kukah’s 2020 comments, in which he appeared to describe violence against Christians as genocidal.
In an interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), he stated that systematic violence against Nigerian Christians perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen constituted genocide.
He further noted that the execution of five aid workers by the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), three of whom were reportedly Christian, was part of a broader campaign of terror.
Criticism of Government and Security Agencies
Bishop Kukah also criticized the Nigerian government and security agencies, saying:
“There are multiple levels of funding and, with time, terrorism has been able to fund itself by criminality, violence, kidnappings… Governments have also paid huge sums of money for ransom… The inefficiency of the military has made the terrorists bolder, and there are issues of complicity at various levels.”
Failed State and Western Powers
He highlighted Nigeria’s struggles as a failed state, adding: “The evidence is there for all to see that Nigeria is an epicenter of terrorism in the region.”
The bishop also criticized Western powers for offering promises that yielded little action, saying:
“We hear promises from the United States and Europe and they all come to nothing.”
The resurfacing of these statements has sparked discussion among Nigerians, with many questioning the apparent shift between Bishop Kukah’s 2020 assessment and his recent denial of ongoing genocide.
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